Welcome to Cairns Performing Arts Centre
Welcome
Welcome to the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC). We strive to make everyone feel welcomed and comfortable being their authentic selves. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you feel included and foster a sense of belonging. During your visit, you are welcome to use any strategies that help you relax and enjoy the experience.
Visual Story
This Visual Story was developed in collaboration with Autism Queensland (July 2023) to help you plan and prepare for your visit to Cairns Performing Arts Centre. It will provide you with information about what to expect to ensure you have an enjoyable experience at Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
What to Bring?
You may like to bring some items to make your visit comfortable, such as a water bottle, sensory tools, headphones or earplugs, sunglasses, or a jacket. Please note that if you bring a bag, it will need to be able to fit under your seat or on your lap.
Location
We are located on the corner of Florence St and Grafton St in Cairns City. The front of the venue faces Munro Martin Parklands.
You can find maps and parking information on the Accessibility Page.
Parking
There is free and paid street parking. There is also a carpark which can be accessed via Grafton, Sheridan or Florence Streets. This car park is free when attending visiting a CPAC performance.
When you arrive
Taxi
Taxis will drop you off or pick you up at the drop-off point, to the right of the Box Office.
If you need help to call for a taxi, the bar or box office staff can assist.
Terrace
In between the two front entrances, The Terrace is an outdoor area with a bar to purchase snacks and drinks. It is a relaxed place where visitors can socialise before or after the show. This area is busiest half an hour before performances start.
Box Office
The Box Office is located on the right of the building, next to the Terrace. It is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Box Office staff are available to assist you with ticket purchases, collections, help or information.
Foyer
The entrance to the foyer and box office is through the Terrace. There are no stairs to use this entrance. The doors are glass and open automatically when the foyer is open to the public. The foyer will open one hour before a show and has seating but can become crowded and loud before shows, during intervals and after the show. During the performance, the foyer will be quiet. As the foyer is air-conditioned, it can feel a bit cold. There will be a loud announcement when it is time to be seated.
Lifts
As you walk into the foyer, the lift is located between the Studio and Theatre, to the left of the bathrooms. The lift can provide access between the ground floor for the foyer and bar, Level 1 for Theatre Doors 3,4 and Level 2 for doors 5 & 6.
If your seat is on the Studio balcony in a wheelchair seat, staff will accompany you from this lift.
The lifts are located to the left of the toilets on each level.
Foyer balcony
From the foyer, you can access the balcony by going up the left-hand side staircase to the top or via the lift to level 3.
When this is not booked for a private event, this is often a less busy and quiet space before a show or in the break time. You may feel the temperature is warmer in this space compared to the lower foyer.
You are welcome to use this space.
A map of each floor can be found here.
Getting around
There are signs around CPAC to help you find your way. Our bar staff, box office staff, and ushers are happy to assist you.
You can use the foyer stairs to reach the upper levels.
You can also take the lift.
Theatre Doors
Your ticket includes your theatre door. Theatre doors 1 and 2 are on the Ground Floor, doors 3 and 4 are on level one, and doors 5 and 6 are on level three. Ushers will be available at each door to assist and check your ticket.
Each entrance may look a little different. These corridors are darker and have no natural light.
Inside the Theatre
Once you enter the theatre, a staff member will check your ticket and show you where your seat is. Your seat information is on either your paper ticket or digital ticket.
If you need help throughout the show, a staff member will be at the door and able to tell you when there are break times.
If you bring a bag, it will need to be able to fit under your seat or on your lap.
When you book your ticket, you can select your seat. Accessible seating can be booked by calling or visiting the Box Office. If you think you may need a break during the show, you could book a seat at the end of the row.
During a show, you will not be able to stand in the middle staircases. You can stand along the side staircase next to the wall or at the back.
During the show, there will be lights around the stairs and on the wall on the balcony level.
The Crying Room
There is a space to watch the show called the Crying Room on level 2. You can reach it through doors 3 and 4.
You can use the Crying Room if you have small children or, would like a break from the main theatre space.
You can still see and hear the show when you are in the Crying Room. This room also has a switch to control the volume of the show.
There might be other people using the Crying Room at the same time as you.
The Studio
The Studio is on the left side of the building. Doors A & B are accessed from the same area on the ground floor.
This is a smaller venue than the main theatre. The layout of the seats may change depending on the show.
You can find out more information about a specific show by calling or visiting the box office.
Inside the Studio
Once you enter the Studio, a staff member will check your ticket and show you where your seat is.
If your seat is on the balcony you will access upstairs via an internal staircase.
Finding the toilets
There are toilets located on all floors. Toilets are identifiable by international symbols, braille and text.
On the ground level and level 3, there are male and female toilets. All levels have accessible toilets.
The toilets can be crowded and noisy during break times.
Assistance Animals are welcome at Cairns Performing Arts Centre. When you book your ticket, please let staff know.
Cairns Performing Arts Centre is also fitted with hearing loops at the box office, bar, theatre areas and studio. Headsets are also available from the Box office.
For more information on accessibility features, please click on this link: Accessibility CPAC - CPAC (cairnsperformingartscentre.com.au)
Enjoy your visit to Cairns Performing Arts Centre
If you would like more information about what to expect before your visit, you can contact Cairns Performing Arts Centre:
Phone 1800 855 835
info@ticketlink.com.com
Our arts venues | Cairns Regional Council
Do you have any feedback?
Please contact us if you would like to provide some feedback on this Welcome Story or your visit to Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
We welcome all ideas, feedback and experiences.