Melbourne International Comedy Festival now provides Communication Boards for patrons who would like to use them while attending the Festival. If you would like to collect a communication board while attending the Festival, our Info Booth outside Melbourne Town Hall have Communication Boards on hand for patrons to have as well as our Front of House at every Festival Managed Venue.
Sensory Backpacks containing noise cancelling headphones and child friendly fidget toys are now avialable (subject to availability) when attending shows as part of our children's programming at ACMI and at the Museum Theatrette.
If you are in need of assistance and would like access to some sensory assistance during the children's shows, please just ask our friendly Front of House team who will be able to assist.
Please note that these items are just to be borrowed when in need of assistance and must be returned to the Festival team on departure from the venue.
Shows at a venue showing this symbol have step-free access and are wheelchair accessible. On each show page, click the venue name and this is where you will find detailed information about physical access at the venue. If the wheelchair symbol is not shown, step free/wheelchair access at that venue may be partial or unavailable.
For detailed information regarding step-free and wheelchair accessible routes as well as accessible seating at each Festival Managed Venue this year, please see FMV Venue Information.
At select Festival venues Assistive Listening is provided either as a hearing loop where patrons can tune in using their own hearing aid device for amplified film sound directly into the ear or in the form of an assistive listening device that patrons can borrow and use for the duration of the session. Patrons can use the device provided by the venue complete with headphones to hear an amplified version of the film sound through the headphones.
Information about which assistive listening system is available is listed under the venue name on each show page and for detailed information for Festival Managed Venues, please see FMV Venue Information.
Auslan Interpreted performances are marked on event pages using a [colour] circle in the calendar view.
You can also search the program for Auslan Interpreted shows here using the filter “shows with Auslan Interpreted sessions”.
Click here to see a list of our Auslan Interpreted performances for this year.
Some select shows may be running Relaxed Performances. Relaxed Performances are designed to make the performance experience accessible and are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment – this can include but is not limited to Neurodivergent People who experience sensory processing differences (Autistic People, ADHD People), learning disabilities, dementia as well as those living with anxiety or who have experienced trauma.
Relaxed Performances focus on adapting the performance environment and preparing patrons by developing pre-show resources. Lighting and sound may be adjusted, and the doors will remain open to allow patrons to take a break in a designated quiet area.
There are currently no Relaxed Performance.
Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome in all venues.
Travellers Aid Australia will work with the Festival to provide support for people living with disabilities, or experiencing other mobility challenges, who wish to attend The Great Debate. Support is provided from 2.15pm from Flinders Street Station and Tram Stops 6 or 11 on Swanston St, as well as at Melbourne Town Hall. Patrons needing accessibility assistance can call 0498 023 959 to speak to the Travellers Aid on-site coordinator. For more information please download the Travellers Aid Info sheet here.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we work and live. We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' spirit, imagination and rich history of storytelling and humour that is an inspiration to all Australians.
We accept the invitation to walk together with First Nations people towards a more positive future for Australia, as described in the Uluru Statement From The Heart.
Shows at a venue showing this symbol have step-free access and are wheelchair accessible. On each show page, click the venue name and this is where you will find detailed information about physical access at the venue. If the wheelchair symbol is not shown, step free/wheelchair access at that venue may be partial or unavailable.
