Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Your Visit to the Neilson Studio Visual Story & Access Guide

Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Acknowledgement of Country Sydney Dance Company is based in Walsh Bay Sydney. Our studios are situated on the lands and over the waters of the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters and thank them for protecting this coastline and its ecosystems since time immemorial. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Contents Accessibility at Sydney Dance Company

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About the Relaxed Performance

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Getting to the Venue

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Parking

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Public Transport

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Arriving at Sydney Dance Company

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Staff and Support

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Inside Sydney Dance Company

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Quiet Space and Bathrooms

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About the Performance

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What to Expect in the Theatre

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During the Performance

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Leaving the Performance

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Accessibility at Sydney Dance Company Sydney Dance Company is committed to being an accessible venue and making our programs and experiences as inclusive as possible for everyone.

There is a range of accessible performance options, including Relaxed Performances, Audio Described Performances, Tactile Tours, Haptic Enhanced Performances and Wheelchair Accessible seating. Registered Assistance Animals are also welcome at Sydney Dance Company.

If you have specific seating or access requirements, please contact Sydney Dance Company before your visit so our team can discuss the available options with you.

Sydney Dance Company is a Companion Card affiliate. The Companion Card enables people with disability who require attendant care support from a companion to attend our performances or classes without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their companion. Cardholders must present their card when booking or purchasing a ticket.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story Sydney Dance Company is proud to be part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Visitors with hidden disabilities are welcome to wear a Sunflower lanyard or pin if they wish to identify themselves.

Wearing a Sunflower can discreetly indicate that someone has a non-visible disability and may appreciate additional time, understanding or support.

The Customer Service Team has completed training delivered by both Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower on ways to offer supportive assistance.

For more information about accessibility at Sydney Dance Company, please visit sydneydancecompany.com/accessibility.

You can also contact us on 02 9258 4818 or email sdc@sydneydancecompany.com.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

About the Relaxed Performance Everyone experiences sensory information differently. A Relaxed Performance provides a range of access features and information so you can choose what is useful for you.

A Relaxed Performance is open to everyone and offers a more flexible theatre environment. It may be particularly beneficial for Autistic people, people with sensory processing differences, people with intellectual disability, neurodivergent people and anyone who prefers a more relaxed performance experience.

The aim is to create a flexible and supportive environment where audience members can experience the performance in the way that works best for them.

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Getting to the Venue Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Getting to the Venue Sydney Dance Company is located at Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point.

Parking Parking at Sydney Dance Company is limited, so we recommend travelling by public transport or using a rideshare service such as Uber.

Limited metered street parking is available around Walsh Bay. There are also several nearby parking stations along Hickson Road and in Barangaroo: Bond One Car Park Barangaroo Point Car Park (Entry via Hickson Rd) Barangaroo Reserve Car Park Parking can be pre-booked through the Wilson Parking website wilsonparking.com.au.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Public Transport Metro You can get to Sydney Dance Company by public transport.

Barangaroo metro station is a short 8 minute walk from our studios and the closest public transport hub.

Train We are a 15-20 minute walk from Circular Quay and Wynyard train stations.

Bus services Buses 324 and 325 run from the CBD to the precinct, with stops just outside the Studios. For details please visit Transport NSW or telephone 131 500.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Arriving at Sydney Dance Company Sydney Dance Company is located on the wharf at Walsh Bay. As you approach the building, you may see or hear seagulls and other birds around the wharf.

When you arrive, you can speak to our team at the Welcome Desk.

Staff can answer questions, provide directions or assist you during your visit. You can ask them to help you find the Neilson Studio, Quiet Space, bathrooms or other areas of the building.

Sydney Dance Company staff will also be available throughout your visit if you need information or assistance.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Staff and Support Sydney Dance Company staff will be available throughout your visit. You can speak to a staff member if you have a question, would like more information or require assistance.

Before the Relaxed Performance begins, a member of the Sydney Dance Company team will welcome the audience and explain the access features available. They will also identify any significant sensory moments you may wish to prepare for.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Inside Sydney Dance Company Performances at Sydney Dance Company are held in the Neilson Studio.

When you arrive, you will enter through the Café Foyer and Bella Bar space. There may be people eating and drinking in this area, and it may be busy or noisy before the performance.

Dance classes will also be taking place in the studios along the corridor leading to the Neilson Studio. You may hear music from these studios and see people moving through the corridor.

You are welcome to use headphones, earplugs or other hearing protection while moving through the building if this is useful to you.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Quiet Space and Bathroom The Quiet Space is located along the corridor from the Welcome Desk. As you walk down the corridor, it will be on your right, opposite Studios 2 and 3.

The bathrooms are further along the same corridor, also on your right, opposite Studio 4.

If you are unsure where to go, you can ask a Sydney Dance Company staff member for directions or assistance.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

About the Performance Current is a contemporary dance performance.

Contemporary dance can include a wide range of movement, music, theatrical effects and partnering and contact work between performers. The movement may be abstract and does not necessarily tell a literal story. There is no set way to interpret the performance.

Current brings together three world premieres by Raghav Handa, Jenni Large and Azzam Mohamed, alongside the long-awaited Australian premiere of Rafael Bonachela’s acclaimed E2 7SD. Presented as one continuous experience, the program celebrates four distinct approaches to contemporary dance, revealing the breadth of ideas, movement practices and artistic perspectives shaping the artform.

More detailed content information is available on our website.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

What to Expect in the Theatre Before the Relaxed Performance begins, a member of the Sydney Dance Company team will welcome the audience and explain the access features available during the performance. They will also provide information about any significant sensory moments you may wish to prepare for.

Seating for the relaxed performance of Current is general admission you can choose any available seat.

Some seats are close to the stage. You may choose a seat that you feel most comfortable in. Performers may enter or exit through the audience, move on and off the stage throughout the performance, move close to the seating area or make eye contact as part of the performance. If you would prefer more distance from the performance area, you can ask a staff member for seating advice.

The performance may include scenery, curtains, props or set pieces that change throughout the show. Theatrical haze may also be used to enhance lighting effects.

There may be changes in lighting throughout the performance, including changes in colour and brightness. You will be told in advance if strobe lighting is used.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story Costumes will vary between performances and may include fitted clothing or partial nudity. Any relevant production-specific information will be provided before the performance.

The performance will include movements and sounds such as clapping, stomping or other sudden noises. Music, ambient sounds, voiceovers and sound effects will all be part of the performance. Some moments may be louder than others and may include raised voices.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

During the Performance During the performance, you are welcome to move or change position as needed, make noise or respond naturally to what you see and hear. Movement, quiet conversation and other forms of self-regulation are welcome.

You can use headphones, earplugs, communication devices or other personal access aids during the performance.

Photography and general mobile device use are not permitted during the performance. If you require a device, such as an iPad, for accessibility or communication purposes, you are welcome to use it. You can also use devices in the foyer or Quiet Space at any time.

Current performance-specific sensory information During Current, you may experience: Lighting in cool white, red, amber and blue tones.

Low fog around the performance area, which may move close to the audience and can feel cool.

Moments of low-level pulsating light.

Very short bursts of intense light, lasting less than a second, accompanied by sudden loud sounds.

Lighting that gradually intensifies before suddenly going to blackout.

Dancers moving off the performance area and coming close to audience members. They will not touch or speak to you.

The performance is presented in the round, with audience members seated on multiple sides of the performance area.

You may see people seated opposite you and looking in your direction.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story You can leave and re-enter the theatre at any time, or use the Quiet Space if you would like time away from the performance.

The theatre door will remain open and low-level house lighting will remain on throughout the performance so you can move in and out of the theatre safely.

Staff will be available to assist you when entering or leaving the theatre and to answer any questions. When returning to the theatre, staff may suggest an appropriate moment to return to your seat where this is necessary for your safety.

For everyone’s safety, please do not enter the performance area or touch performers, set pieces or equipment unless invited to do so.

Where appropriate, discreet cues may be provided during the performance before particular sensory moments. This can give you time to prepare or respond in the way that best suits you.

At the end of the performance, the dancers will return to the performance area for a bow. Audience members may applaud, which can result in a sudden increase in sound. You are welcome to use headphones, earplugs or other hearing protection if this is useful to you.

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Neilson Studio - Visual Story

Leaving the Performance After the performance, the dancers will leave the stage and the theatre lighting will become brighter.

Audience members will begin leaving the Neilson Studio and moving into the corridor and foyer. These areas may become busier as people leave at the same time, and you may hear people talking or other sounds from around the building.

Sydney Dance Company staff will be nearby if you need assistance or would like help finding your way out of the building.

You can then leave Sydney Dance Company and continue your journey home.

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Thank you for visiting!

We hope to see you again soon!