Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
Isaac Theatre Royal
About this location
Key stats
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Venue type: Theatre
Location size: 1,274 seating capacity
Auracast™ equipment installed: Ampetronic
Installation: DIY installation
The Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch, New Zealand hosts a diverse calendar of theatre productions, concerts, comedy performances, dance events, conferences, and community programs. The theatre strives to deliver outstanding live entertainment experiences while ensuring every patron feels welcome and included.
According to Matt Mard, Isaac Theatre Royal head of productions & operations, accessibility plays a central role in that goal, driving ongoing investments in technologies that enhance the audience experience and make performances more accessible to people with varying needs.
The problem statement
“Accessibility has long been a priority for the Isaac Theatre Royal,” said Mard. Before deploying Auracast™ broadcast audio, the venue relied on a conventional assistive listening T-coil system based on analogue technology. While effective, the system required dedicated infrastructure and reflected technology that is gradually being phased out.
The theatre wanted to provide a more seamless and inclusive listening experience while reducing dependence on venue-managed equipment. Traditional assistive listening solutions often require patrons to borrow receivers, which can create additional barriers and administrative overhead. The venue also recognized the need to modernize its accessibility offerings and align with emerging technologies that would better support future audience expectations.
As awareness of Auracast™ broadcast audio increased, the team saw an opportunity to improve accessibility by enabling patrons to access audio directly through their own compatible devices.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
After evaluating emerging accessibility technologies, the Isaac Theatre Royal chose to install an Auracast™ AURI-TX2N solution from Ampetronic.
The decision was influenced by several factors, including the ability to improve accessibility, reduce operational complexity, and future-proof the venue’s infrastructure. The solution enables assistive listening audio to be delivered directly to compatible hearing aids, headphones, earbuds, and smartphones that support Auracast™ broadcast audio. In addition to assistive listening applications, the system also supports audio-described performances and language translations.
Deployment proved to be straightforward and well supported. The theatre found that the Auracast™ solution integrated smoothly with its existing venue infrastructure, allowing it to enhance accessibility services without requiring significant operational disruption.
Benefits
Although the installation is still recent and patron feedback has not yet been collected, the Isaac Theatre Royal has already identified several operational and strategic benefits.
“The new system helps simplify the delivery of assistive listening services while providing patrons with greater flexibility in how they access audio,” said Mard. It also reduces the repair and management burden associated with the legacy T-coil system. Because users can connect through their own compatible devices, the venue can lessen its reliance on managing dedicated receivers.
Beyond operational efficiencies, the deployment strengthens the theatre’s accessibility strategy. It provides a more modern and user-friendly experience, aligns the venue with emerging accessibility technologies, and demonstrates leadership in accessibility innovation. The solution also helps raise awareness of accessibility options and supports a more inclusive experience for a wider range of audience members.
A look ahead
CamerFor the Isaac Theatre Royal, Auracast™ broadcast audio represents more than an assistive listening upgrade — it is an investment in the future of accessible entertainment. By adopting an open, scalable technology platform, the theatre has positioned itself to meet changing patron expectations while continuing to expand accessibility services.
While Auracast™ broadcast audio significantly improves experiences for patrons with hearing needs today, it also provides a future-ready foundation that can support a broad range of listening applications and help venues create more inclusive experiences for all audiences.
Learn more about Auracast™
Register your Auracast™ location
