Wonderverse FAQs – Regional SA

August 19th, 2024

**Thinking about coming to Wonderverse in regional SA? We’ve answered all of your questions about our interactive installation for families and schools.**

What is an interactive installation?

Interactive installations are participatory arts experiences for children and their families, often presented outside of traditional theatre spaces. In Wonderverse, audiences are led by performers through the installation space and engage with hands-on experiences. We encourage children to explore through play, movement, touch and vocal expression.

Patch Theatre’s other interactive installations include Superluminal and The Lighthouse – both of which received exceptional feedback from students and teachers. You can read more about the process of creating an interactive installation in this interview with Patch creators Geoff and Maddog.

How can I book tickets?

For family sessions, you can book tickets via the Country Arts website.

For school sessions, you can book using this form.

**Where does Wonderverse take place?**

Wonderverse takes place in Country Arts venues across South Australia. We have shows for families and for schools available.

Family sessions (from 5pm)
Port Pirie – Northern Festival Centre, 7 Aug
Whyalla – Middleback Arts Centre, 14 Aug
Renmark – Chaffey Theatre, 21 Aug
Mt Gambier – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, 28 Aug

School sessions (between 10am and 1.20pm)
Port Pirie – Northern Festival Centre, 6–8 Aug
Whyalla – Middleback Arts Centre, 13–15 Aug
Renmark – Chaffey Theatre, 20–22 Aug
Mt Gambier – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, 27–29 Aug

**How long does Wonderverse go for?**

The Wonderverse experience runs for 40 minutes.
Our performers lead each group through the experience. Only one group/class can be in each space at one time. Groups do not overlap with each other and the experience is kept to schedule by the performer.

**What age is Wonderverse recommended for?**

Wonderverse is recommended for children aged 4-10 years old, or those in years Preschool–4.

What time should we arrive?

Please plan to check in with staff 15 minutes prior to your session time, during this time we will assist you to prepare for the experience.

What if I am running late?

Performances must start at the scheduled time and cannot be delayed. Late attendees will miss the beginning of the performance and may not be admitted. We request that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your set time to prepare for the experience.

Can we bring bags?

Bags cannot be taken into Wonderverse. At check in you will be directed to where belongings can be left.

Can I take videos and photos?

Yes! We encourage you to take videos and photos without flash during the show and share them on Facebook and Instagram @patch_theatre

I have a child with sensory sensitivity – what should I know in advance?

During the experience, the audience moves through various spaces featuring periods of darkness, UV lighting, bright moving lights, music and recorded voices. There are no sudden or very loud sounds in the sound design or music. We recommend children who may find noisy spaces over stimulating bring earmuffs (we will have a small number available to borrow). We take a relaxed approach to audience noise and movement, and children who need a break are welcome to exit and re-enter with guidance from our front-of-house team.

I have a child with access requirements – what accommodations can be made?

Wonderverse is wheelchair accessible, and we welcome children with access needs. Please contact your local Country Arts venue to inform them of any access requirements when making your booking.

Can I change the time or cancel my booking?

For family bookings, please contact your local Country Arts venue.

Please see below for school bookings and queries.

I have another query about my visit.

For family bookings, please contact your local Country Arts venue.

Please see below for school specific queries.

SCHOOL QUERIES

How many children can be booked into each session?

Groups or classes of up to 30 children (plus adults/teachers) can book into each session. The experience has been specifically created for audiences of this size to ensure each child can have the best hands-on experience within the installation.

I only want to bring a very small number of students – is this possible?

While this experience is booked per session (up to 30 children) we will do our best to accommodate and support small groups. If you have a group of 15 or less children please get in touch with Jaecinta at patch@patchtheatre.org.au / 8470 0165 to discuss pricing and availability.

Small classes/groups from the same school can be combined into a session (to a limit of 30 students).

How do I book in more than one class/group?

You can book all sessions on the one booking form. Please select one session time per class/group of up to 30 students. Once a session has been booked, it will no longer appear as available on the booking form.

What happens if I book multiple sessions and arrive with several classes?

New sessions start every 20 minutes, so students won’t have to wait too long. During your booking process, we will help you with your schedule and timings for your visit.

As an example, if you book a session at 11.40am and another at 12pm your day could look like this:

11.10am: bus arrives with all students
Group 1: Up to 30 students
- 11.10am – 11.25am: Recess (15 minutes)
- 11.25am – 11.40am: Arrive and prepare for session (15 minutes)
- 11.40am – 12.20pm: Guided through Wonderverse (40 minute session)
- 12.20pm – 1pm: Lunch (40 minutes)
Group 2: Up to 30 students
- 11.10am – 11.45am: Recess (35 minutes)
- 11.45am – 12.00pm: Arrive and prepare for session (15 minutes)
- 12.00pm – 12.40pm: Guided through Wonderverse (40 minute session)
- 12.40pm – 1pm: Lunch (20 minutes)
1pm: bus departs with all students

Can I change my student (or adult) numbers?

We do not need to be notified of student or adult number changes, however no more than 30 students can attend each session.

Can I change our session time/s?

You are welcome to change your session time. Please book your preferred session/s on our website and contact us to cancel your original sessions patch@patchtheatre.org.au. Please keep in mind that availability will become limited as the season books out.

Can I cancel our session?

We would be sad to have you cancel your booking but understand sometimes this is unavoidable. Please email patch@patchtheatre.org.au.

Can you book transport for my group?

Unfortunately not. You must organise your own transport to and from the experience.

Are there any classroom activities available?

Yes! We have our Education Resources available here along with some relevant activities here.