Top Tips for your Trip to the Ballet

FAQs - Attending a live performance

Arriving on time

Arrive with plenty of time to spare. We recommend giving yourself at least 20 minutes to arrive, take your seat and have a browse through the programme.

Lock outs

Depending on the show, the lock out period can range from a couple of minutes or until the first intermission, so we advise patrons to arrive with plenty of time to spare. A lock out period is important to not distract the dancers during their entrances or a particularly complex part of the show, or disrupt audience members during a quiet part in the music.

Refreshments

All of our venues have a bar with food and drinks available pre-performance and in intervals for purchase.

Tickets

Have your tickets ready to go for ushers to send you in the right direction. If you’re picking up your tickets, arrive at least 15 minutes early and find the box office you require: there will be one for ticket agency purchasers (through Ticketmaster, Ticketek etc) and the other is the RNZB box office for subscribers, media and other tickets purchased direct from the RNZB.

Attire

Wear whatever makes you feel fabulous, but remember that the theatre can get warm, especially if it’s a full house, and to layer accordingly.

Coat check

Most theatres we perform in don’t have a coat check. Please leave bulky items at home if you can. Please ensure jackets and bags are well under your seats so they don’t cause a trip hazard.

Children at the ballet

Every child is different, and whether they’re old enough to attend a performance depends on a range of factors. All audience members, including little ones that might be sitting on your knee require a ticket to enter. Find out more about our Children at the Ballet and Babes in Arms Policy here.

Live orchestra

We are privileged to have live music for select seasons in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. Please check on our show pages whether live Orchestra will be playing for a performance.

Accessibility

If you have special accessibility requests, please view our Venue Access Guides. If you are interested in our Accessibility Programme you can find out more here.