Access
As a public space where important cultural conversations are held about our society, we want to ensure that everyone can participate - artists, audience and staff. Accessibility at Basement is about everyone having a safe place that welcomes them in and provides services, facilities and information to be as accessible as possible. It’s about meeting the specific and unique needs of all visitors, artists and staff, and removing barriers to others who are not currently represented in either of those groups. Everyone’s needs are different so we are committed to opening up access to as many communities as possible.
Basement Theatre is made up of a foyer, a bar and two performance spaces - the Theatre downstairs and the Studio upstairs.
If you are coming to a show and have additional access needs or if you are a wheelchair user, you can let us know by leaving a note in your booking or by emailing info@basementtheatre.co.nz, and our front of house team will be on standby to assist if required.
We can reserve a spot for you in the front row or on the aisle if you require.
If you are a wheelchair user, we have allocated space in the front of the Theatre for you.
If you have any further questions about our space, don't hesitate to get in touch at info@basementtheatre.co.nz or 09 309 7433.
Located right next to the bar and foyer on Basement’s ground level, the Theatre space is our main space, with 100 to 140 audience seats depending on the configuration. The Theatre space, foyer and bar are fully accessible via an automatic lift next to the small staircase outside.
The Theatre space has a relatively low ceiling. Depending on the configuration and therefore height of the seating block, you may need to watch your head when standing up from your seat. If this is of concern at all, we encourage you to sit in the first two rows.
Seating in the Theatre is not allocated. Doors to the Theatre will open 15 minutes before the performance begins for those who require specific seating for their needs.
Our upstairs Studio space is smaller and more intimate with a maximum of 65 seats. Unfortunately this space is not wheelchair accessible with a large amount of stairs taking you up another level. We hope to make this space accessible in the future and apologise for any inconvenience.
Seating in the Studio is not allocated. Doors to the Studio will open 15 minutes before the performance begins for those who require specific seating for their needs.
Installed in April 2018, our automatic lift will give you step free access to the main foyer/bar area and therefore access to the downstairs Theatre space. Unfortunately we do not have a lift up to the Studio space on level one.
The lift is self-operational, but if you have any questions or issues operating it, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance from our venue staff.
The maximum weight for our lift is 320kg.
Toilet facilities at Basement are gender neutral and we have a wheelchair accessible toilet immediately to the left of the entrance.
There is one accessible car park right outside Basement. If you would like to reserve this parking space for your visit, please email info@basementtheatre.co.nz or call us on 09 309 7433.
If the Basement accessible car park is not available, there are a few options:
There are three accessible car parks. Drive down the hill towards Basement Theatre, pass Basement and the Sunday School Union Building and the parks are situated on the left between the Sunday School Union Building and the Waimahara sculpture.
The Civic Car Park next door has 20 mobility spaces. First 2 hours free then usual rates apply. After 6pm and weekends free. Take your mobility card and entry ticket to a pay machine and press the help button for instructions.
If you don't require a mobility park, there are quite a few parking options to choose from that vary in cost and proximity to Basement Theatre:
Civic Car Park - 1-minute walk
Monday to Friday, 6am to 6pm
1 hour $5
2 hours $10
3 hours $15
4 hours $20
5 hours $24
5+ hours maximum fee per day $24
Evening Monday to Friday: 6pm until close, $12 flat fee applies
Weekend and public holidays $2 per hour to a maximum of $12 until close
Park Grand Millennium - 4 minute walk
Pay by Plate online when you exit - parkgrandmillennium.co.nz
Use promo code EYEGATE for $3 hourly rate (max $13 per 12 hours)
Greys Avenue on-street parking - 2-minute walk
Weekdays, 8am to 6pm Under 2 hours $4 per hour. Over 2 hours $7 per additional hour
Weekends and public holidays, 8am to 6pm. Under 2 hours $2.50 per hour, Over two hours $4 per additional hour
After 6pm - FREE
Wilson Parking 89 Greys Ave - 2-minute walk
Monday-Friday 8am-4pm - $5 per half hour, $35 for 12 hours
Monday-Friday 4pm-8am - $5 per half hour, max $16
Weekend - $5 per half hour, $16 for 12 hours
If you're getting an Uber or taxi to Basement, they can drop you off and pick you up right in front of the entrance to Basement. We're located at Lower Greys Ave in the AT Greys Ave carpark.
Our friendly staff are more than happy to call you a taxi after a show, just ask at the bar.
Unfortunately Basement Theatre doesn’t currently have a hearing loop in either space. However, we are more than happy to reserve a seat close to the front and/or inform you of the best place to sit to hear the dulcet tones of our artists. Please get in touch with us to get this information and/or to reserve a seating area. In some cases, we may be able to provide a printed script for you to have with you during the performance. Again, please get in touch to find out if that is possible for the performance you are attending (at least 24 hours before would be preferable so we can get that printed!).
We have complimentary ear plugs available at Basement. If you require them, please see one of our friendly bar staff.
Basement Theatre is a relatively dark venue - we have moody lighting in the foyer/bar space and at times both performance spaces may not be especially well lit, depending on the mood the performers want to create. If you are vision impaired or are just finding it too dark to navigate your way through the space, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly box office, bar or ushering staff to help you while you’re visiting.
Your service animal is more than welcome at Basement Theatre! If you have any questions about bringing them along, get in touch.
Please bring a support person with you for any of your needs! If you require a support person for any reason, please let us know ahead of booking and we will give them a concession priced ticket. If you’re buying your tickets at the door, please let the Box Office know about your support person and they will help you out with a concession ticket.
If you have specific access, visual and/or audio needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us before you visit - call 09 309 7433 or email us by clicking the link below. We’re here to help however we can!
The best way to purchase tickets to a show at Basement is online – Check out what's on and book your tickets with our friends at iTICKET. You can also purchase tickets over the phone with them at 09 361 1000, however please note that a Phone Booking fee will apply.
Take a tour of our venue and two performance spaces before you arrive.