Know before you go

Get there early if you can

We suggest you arrive at the theatre 30 minutes prior to the start of the show. This will allow you plenty of time to find your seats before the performance begins.

Many patrons arrive early so that they can enjoy a drink or a meal before the show – this is a great way to make sure you don’t have to rush to be on time for curtain up. Find out about eating and drinking options at the Box Cafe and Bar at Aotea Centre, or Stark's Cafe at The Civic.

Venue foyers generally open 60 minutes before a performance is scheduled to begin, including theatre bars where a range of drink options are available, as well as ice creams.

If you’re late to a show

Some performances and events have a very strict latecomers policy to ensure that people are already in their seats and performers aren’t disturbed.

You will be admitted at the first suitable break in the performance as determined by the promoter of the event or performing company. In some cases the first suitable break may be the interval.

Our staff on the night will do all they can to ensure you are able to enter the performance as soon as possible.

What to do with coats, bags and umbrellas

You may be able to leave your coat, bag and/or umbrella at the coat check.

There is a permanent coat check at the Aotea Centre at stalls level on the ground floor (Owen's Foyer).

In the case of The Civic and the Auckland Town Hall, coat check facilities will be available on an event-by-event basis. Check with any of our front-of-house staff upon arrival, to see if coat check is available for the event you are attending.

Taking photos

We all know that if it’s not documented on Instagram, it didn’t really happen, but in most theatre performances, you aren’t allowed to take photos during the show due to copyright.  Photography can cause a safety hazard to performers, as well as impacting on the enjoyment of other theatregoers.

If you are seen using a camera or camera phone when it is not permitted, you will be asked to stop and your camera may be confiscated by an usher.

Feel free however to take photos in the foyer or in the auditorium during the interval and share them with us at Auckland Live on social media!

For safety reasons, you are not allowed to use selfie sticks at any of our venues.

For some performances, promoters are happy for you to take photos. You’ll be told about this prior to the event, or we will post signs by the auditorium entrances. Please do not use flash or block other peoples’ view of the stage with your camera or phone.

For professional quality cameras, a press pass is generally required – photographers can apply for these via the concert promoter.

Using your phone

We ask that you turn your mobile phone off during performances. Switching a phone to silent may eliminate noise, but the light or vibrations from your phone is likely to be a distraction to other audience members and you might miss an important moment in the performance while texting!

Please be thoughtful towards other audience members and then everyone enjoys the show.