FAQs

Weather

What happens if the weather is bad?

If you are unsure of weather conditions, you can check the Bureau of Meteorology radar here.

Usually, performances proceed if there is light, misty drizzle. However, from time to time, it will be necessary to cancel a performance.

If a performance is to be cancelled, patrons will be notified via text message and email and will be able to exchange their tickets for another night, or receive a credit note for future ASC performances.


WEATHER  CANCELLATION POLICY

When a performance is cancelled in advance of the scheduled start time due to adverse weather conditions, where possible and time permitting, we make every effort to inform ticket holders by SMS or phone.

If the Australian Shakespeare Company cancels a performance due to adverse weather conditions, your tickets can be exchanged for another performance during the same production season, or a credit note can be issued for future performances. The ASC does not offer refunds in the event of adverse weather conditions.

To rebook, fill in the Request Date Change form on our website.  Alternatively, you can call 03 8676 7511 (Melbourne) or 02 9011 7704 (Sydney) during business hours Monday to Friday.

For Shakespeare performances (such as Macbeth), all exchanges must be made 3 hours prior to the performance start time.

For Family Theatre (such as Tinkerbell) all exchanges must be made 1 hour prior to the performance start time.

If it is not possible for you to attend another performance during the same production season we can provide a lifetime credit note for the value of your tickets (not including any handling fees).

A credit note or exchange will only be offered if the performance is officially cancelled.

Please note, in the case of one off performances (such as touring shows or music events), we often have other arrangements in place for cancellations such as the performance taking place on an alternate date. Please check the event page for further info.


Why do weather cancellations happen last minute?

We cannot gather accurate and up to date weather data from the Bureau of Meteorology until approximately 2 hours prior to the start of each show.

We closely monitor rain maps to assess whether or not the predicted forecast will eventuate as planned, be delayed, change directions or disperse.

In addition to this, the current La Niña pattern adds another layer of complexity to assess for cancellations. It means that sudden weather changes are more likely and thus, advance warning from the Bureau of Meteorology for some weather events has been compromised.

We ask for your patience and understanding in these circumstances while we do our best to make the, "right call." We will continue to do our best to give you as much warning as we can, while also avoiding cancellations where possible. 

How will I know if the show I'm attending is cancelled due to bad weather?

If a performance is to be cancelled, patrons will be notified via a text message and an email.

We will also display a cancellation notice on the home page of our website.

Earliest notification of a cancelled performance will be on-the-day-of the scheduled performance and in some circumstances, may be within an hour of the scheduled start time.

We ask for your patience and understanding in these circumstances while we do our best to make the, "right call."

The current La Niña pattern adds another layer of complexity to assess for cancellations as sudden weather changes are more likely and thus, advance warning by the Bureau of Meteorology has been compromised.

We will continue to do our best to give you as much warning as we can, while also avoiding cancellations where possible.