Market Road, Canton, Cardiff
CF5 1QEMany shows here have either a touch tour or audio description or both. Touch tours usually take place before the performance starts and allow you to explore the stage and props and usually meet some of the actors.If you use your Hynt card or CEA card, you can have a free companion ticket. Apply for your Hynt card here: https://www.hynt.co.uk/en/join/apply/
Apply for your CEA card here: https://www.ceacard.co.uk/apply
There are plenty of staff and volunteers in Chapter who are happy to assist with finding your/a seat, checking the audio description headsets are working, getting refreshments at the interval and leaving at the end. Just let the theatre know your needs in advance.
The building is fully wheelchair accessible.
Box Office staff are happy to let you know about upcoming events and performances or other activities that you may be interested in. They will also arrange for you to make contact with a group organiser of any group that you might like to join to discuss accessibility.
Box Office staff are happy to reserve particular seats near the front, with good audio description reception or with space for a guide dog. You can also ask them about reserving a convenient accessible table if you want to eat in the café. Usually tables are not reserved and often seats are unallocated, but they are happy to make adjustments and make reservations to promote better access.
For shows and films, check on line or with the Box Office which ones have audio description and let them know when you book if you need a companion ticket and that you will need a headset for audio description.
For shows and films, let the Box office know if you will need assistance to get to your seat and if you would like them to reserve a particular seat for you – e.g. one near the front, with good reception for the audio description or with space for a guide dog (or if you would like them to look after the guide dog in an office during the show/film).
When you collect your headset from the Box Office/member of staff, make sure it works and you know which channel it needs to be on. If enough headsets are available, it is worth asking for an extra headset in case one does not work well. They are very good here though at looking after the headsets and they usually work very well. Make yourself known to the usher so that you can signal to them if there is a problem with the headset.
For weekly classes/groups, ask the Box Office for contact details of the person running the group and speak to them before starting to let them know about your sight impairment and to find out exactly how the group works and what is involved. This lets you make an informed decision about whether it is for you and what type of adjustments you might need. With most classes, you can have a free taster session to “try before you buy”.
On the first session, arrive early to meet the leader before the session starts and have a conversation about what support you might need.
Try to contact the Box Office at quiet times of day to make it easier for them to give you the time you need, such as in the morning. They will be very busy before matinee and evening shows.
A Hynt card can be used for live performances and entitles you to a free companion ticket or the concessionary rate if you are not bringing a companion. This is free and lasts 5 years. You can apply on line at
https://www.hynt.co.uk/en/join/apply/
Evidence of a disability requiring assistance is required and specified on the application form. Ask cib for assistance if needed.
A CEA card can be used for films and entitles you to a free companion ticket. It costs £6 to buy and lasts one year. Apply here: https://www.ceacard.co.uk/apply
It is worth creating an account with Chapter and registering your Hynt card with them. If you create an account, each visit will earn you points which can lead to free tickets.
If you book beforehand, you will receive a small discount.
By Bus:
Numbers 64, 17,18 and 13 from town. Get off just past the Corporation Pub on Cowbridge Rd East (Bus Stop is Chapter Arts Centre). Turn left off the bus and walk for approximately 1 minute to the crossing opposite the Corporation Pub. Cross Cowbridge Road East and turn left. Turn right at the next sideroad (Library Street with the library on the corner). At the end of Library Street cross the Market Place and turn left. The front entrance to Chapter is on your right after only a few steps. Cross the open courtyard and the main entrance will be in front of you. On entering you will find Reception on your left.
Number 61 Get off at Suffolk House Bus Stop on Romilly Road. Turn left off the bus. Cross over Rectory Road and turn right on the upkerb. Walk along Rectory Road which will become Market Street for about 400 metres. Turn left into the second carpark entrance and the back door of Chapter will be on your right half way along the building. Walk through the beer garden, through the glass doors, past the bar and café bar on your left and the tables on the right. The Box Office is on your right after all the tables, just before the front doors.