Accessibility FAQs
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about accessibility and inclusion can be found below. If we haven’t answered your question or you would like further clarification, please get in touch by calling 03 9245 3700 or by emailing access@comedyfestival.com.au.
What type of accessible services are there at the Festival?
There are numerous access services provided across the Festival. Please head to our access services page for a full list of what’s provided and how you can access each service.
How can I search for an accessible performance?
Head to the Browse Shows page on our website and click on the More Filters button. Here, you can filter shows according to different accessibility needs.
Are Companion Cards accepted?
Companion Cards are accepted at all venues that are holding Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows. Companion Card holders qualify for a complimentary ticket for their companion. To book in to a show, please email customerservice@comedyfestival.com.au with the subject heading ‘Companion Ticket’ or call 03 9245 3788 between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to our Ticketing team. For performances ticketed through a third-party ticketing system, i.e. any performance not booked directly on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website, please check the external ticketing website for access booking details.
You may be required to present your Companion Card at the venue on entry.
How can I book a wheelchair accessible seat?
Whether step free and/or wheelchair access is available varies from venue to venue across the Festival, please check the venue details on each specific show before booking. To book in to a show please call our ticketing team on 03 9245 3788, who can assist you in booking in a wheelchair accessible seat. The ticketing phone line is open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. For performances ticketed through a third-party ticketing system, i.e. any performance not booked directly on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website, please check the external ticketing website for access booking details.
Can I bring my guide dog or assistance animal?
Support and assistance animals are always welcome at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. We encourage you to contact the box office when you book your tickets so that we can make a note for venue staff within your booking. You can contact the box office by emailing customerservice@comedyfestival.com.au, or by calling 03 9245 3788 (Open 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). For performances ticketed through a third-party ticketing system, i.e. any performance not booked directly on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website, please check the external ticketing website for access booking details.
Is there step free and/or wheelchair access at the venue?
Whether step free and/or wheelchair access is available varies from venue to venue across the Festival. Venue Accessibility information can be found under the Show Details section for each separate performance.
Where are the accessible bathrooms?
The availability and location of accessible bathrooms varies from venue to venue across the Festival. Venue Accessibility information can be found under the Show Details section for each separate performance.
Will the show be Auslan interpreted?
Please visit the Auslan Interpreted Performances webpage to view all shows that will be Auslan interpreted during the Festival. You can also filter for shows with an Auslan interpreted performance on our Browse Shows page. Click on the More Filters button to find the accessibility options. Auslan interpreted performances are represented by a purple dot on the show pages.
Is there Assistive Listening available at the show?
The Availability of assisted listening devices varies from venue to venue across the Festival. To find if assisted listening is available for a particular show, head to the web page for the given show and check the Venue Accessibility Information under the Show Details section.
What kind of chairs are at the show?
The kind of chairs and audience set up varies from venue to venue across the Festival. Venue seating information can be found as part of Venue Accessibility in the Show Details section for each separate performance.
Where is the closest accessible parking?
The closest accessible parking varies from venue to venue across the Festival. Accessible parking information can be found under the Show Details section for each separate performance.
Where are the closest public transport options?
The closest public transport option varies from venue to venue across the Festival. Venue addresses can be found under the Show Details section for each separate performance. Please check the Public Transport Victoria website for the best public transport options.
Can I bring my baby or child to the show?
Babies and children are not permitted to enter any Melbourne International Comedy Festival show that is not suitable for children. This includes babies being held in arms during a performance. For Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows listed as suitable for children, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Age restrictions and recommendations can be found under the Show Details section for each separate performance. Venue staff will not permit a person to enter a venue if they do not meet the age requirements for that given performance.
Are Festival venues pram friendly?
There is pram parking available for all children’s shows at Melbourne Museum and ACMI. On arrival please ask the venue staff for assistance.
For all other children's shows the availability of pram parking will vary from venue to venue. Please email access@comedyfestival.com.au if you require further information on pram parking at a given venue. Please note that babies and children are not permitted to enter any Melbourne International Comedy Festival show that is not suitable for children.
What is a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and where is it being utilized during the Festival?
It has been estimated that 80% of people living with a disability present no visual signifiers of their disability. This can make it hard for them to receive the assistance they require, as people will question their need for assistance or refuse to believe their disability exists.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created to provide a visual signifier for those with a hidden disability. It consists of a yellow sunflower on a green background, and can be worn voluntarily as a badge, lanyard, wristband or in whatever form the wearer wishes. This visual signifier gives everyone a clear indication of their hidden disability, encouraging inclusivity, acceptance and understanding.
The program is being used this year during the Festival for shows at the Melbourne Town Hall. Throughout the venue there will be members of Festival staff who will be wearing white sunflower badges. These are members of staff who have been trained in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, and are able to provide support and assistance to those patrons with a hidden disability. Although these members of staff have specialized training, any member of staff is happy to provide assistance if you require.
To find out more about the program please visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.