Plan Your Excursion

Big adventures. Little details. We've got you.

We love a school excursion. There's nothing quite like watching students experience the magic of live performance, whether it's their very first theatre visit or they're already seasoned theatre-goers.

With two wonderful venues, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre and the Riverina Playhouse, we're here to help make your excursion as easy, enjoyable and memorable as possible.

From bus drop-offs to bathroom breaks, here's everything you need to know before the curtain goes up.

1. Book early. Thank yourself later.

Our school performances are popular little things, and some sessions fill up quickly!

We do our best to accommodate everyone, but we'd recommend getting your booking form in early to secure your preferred performance.

2. Let's get you booked!

Simply complete our School Group Booking Form and email it to our friendly Box Office team at boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au.

Download the School Booking Form

We'll be in touch to confirm your booking. If you haven't heard from us, please give us a little nudge! We receive lots of school bookings and don't want yours getting lost in the excitement.

3. Let's talk payment

To secure your seats, we'll send you an invoice for a 20% deposit when you book.

Your booking is confirmed once we've received your deposit, so be sure to keep an eye on the payment due date.

As your performance gets closer, we'll be in touch to confirm your final student numbers before sending through the remaining invoice.

A few important things to remember:
  • Once your final invoice has been issued, numbers can't be reduced and refunds aren't available.
  • Need to add a few extra students? No problem, provided seats are still available! Just contact our Box Office on (02) 6926 9688 to arrange additional tickets.
4. It's showtime!

The big day is here!

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your performance to give everyone plenty of time to settle in, visit the bathroom and find their seats.

For everything else you need to know, from bus drop-offs to morning tea breaks, take a look at the Helpful Hints below.

And that's it! You're officially on your way to a wonderful theatre experience.


Before Your Visit

Getting Here

Two venues. Twice the magic!

Your performance will take place at either Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre or Riverina Playhouse, so be sure to check your booking confirmation before heading our way.

Both venues are located in Wagga Wagga's central cultural precinct, close to parking, gardens and plenty of opportunities to extend your excursion.

Buses and drop-offs

Travelling by bus? We've got you!

Convenient bus drop-off and pick-up options are available near both venues.

For performances at Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, buses can drop students off on Burns Way, right near the main entrance.

For performances at the Riverina Playhouse, buses can drop students off via the Cross Street Car Park.

Parking

Free public parking is available close to both venues, including:

  • Cross Street Car Park – entry via Cross Street
  • Morrow and O'Reilly Streets Car Park – entry via O'Reilly Street

Accessible parking is also available at the front of both venues.

Arriving in style

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your performance.

We know getting a busload of excited students organised is no small feat, especially if you're travelling from out of town. But arriving a little early gives everyone time to settle in, visit the bathroom and find their seats before the magic begins.

Most daytime school performances have unallocated seating, unless otherwise advised. Our friendly team will seat students together in school groups.

Running a little late? No worries! Just give our Box Office a call on (02) 6926 9688 so we know you're on your way.

When You Arrive

Hello! You're here!  Our friendly Front of House team will be ready to welcome you.

Please enter through the designated foyer entrance of your booked venue, where our team will let you know when it's time to head into the performance space.

If the auditorium isn't quite ready, we'll direct your group to a suitable waiting area.

Toilets are available in the venue foyers, so there's time for those all-important bathroom breaks before the show.

Bags? Best left behind

For everyone's safety, school bags aren't permitted inside the performance spaces at either venue.

We recommend leaving bags at school or on the bus wherever possible.

If that's not an option, our team will direct you to an appropriate place to leave them.

Teachers are welcome to bring first aid kits into the performance space.

Showtime!

The important bits (and the fun bits)

We want everyone to have the best possible theatre experience, including students, teachers, performers and the people sitting nearby.

A few little things to remember:

  • Stay seated: Students should remain in their seats during the performance. Aisles, steps and doorways need to stay clear.
  • Food and drinks: Please leave snacks outside the performance space. Water bottles are welcome.
  • Phones away: Mobile phones should be switched off or put away during the show.
  • No photos or videos: Photography and recording aren't permitted during performances. Unless otherwise specified.
  • Bring the enthusiasm! Laughing, clapping, cheering, gasping and a big round of applause are very much encouraged, but please help students avoid distracting performers or other audience members.

We love seeing students get swept up in the magic of live performance. Their reactions are part of what makes theatre so special.

Access for All

Everyone belongs in the audience.

We believe theatre is for everyone, and we want every student to feel comfortable, included and ready to enjoy the experience.

If someone in your group has additional access or sensory requirements, please let us know when booking so we can help plan their visit.

A little preparation goes a long way.  We have Social Stories available to help students become familiar with the theatre experience before their visit.

Food, Fun & Fresh Air

Lunch with a side of adventure!

Our foyers are lovely for welcoming audiences, but they're not designed for large school groups to stop for lunch or morning tea.

Luckily, Wagga Wagga's beautiful Civic Precinct is right on our doorstep!

With green spaces, gardens and room to stretch little legs, there are some wonderful nearby spots for a snack, lunch break or a little post-show energy release.

If the weather turns, have a chat with our team and we'll do our best to help you find a suitable alternative.


One excursion. So many possibilities!

Already bringing your students into town? Why not turn your theatre visit into a whole day of discovery?

Both Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre and Riverina Playhouse are close to some fantastic cultural experiences, perfect for adding a little extra creativity, history or outdoor learning to your day.

Explore nearby attractions including:

  • Wagga Wagga Art Gallery – discover inspiring exhibitions and creative experiences
  • National Art Glass Gallery – a colourful world of contemporary glass art
  • Wagga Wagga City Library – stories, learning and discovery
  • Museum of the Riverina – explore our region's fascinating stories and history
  • Victory Memorial Gardens – the perfect spot for fresh air and a picnic
  • Wollundry Lagoon and Amphitheatre – a lovely place to explore, relax and enjoy a lunch break

You could even investigate opportunities for a cultural walking experience with local Wiradjuri knowledge holders.

Teacher tip: Check out the Wagga City Council's Cultural Excursion resources here.


Need a Helping Hand?

We believe every young person deserves the chance to experience the magic of live performance.

Our Helping Hand program supports young people and families who may find the cost of attending a performance a barrier.

If a student or family could use a little extra support, please reach out to our team for a confidential chat.

We'd love to help where we can.


Just a few important details to help everything run smoothly.

  1. At the time of booking, an invoice will be issued for a 20% deposit with payment terms of 30 days. The deposit is not refundable and will be deducted from the total amount due. Receipt of your deposit will confirm your booking. If you don’t hear from our team, please ensure that you get in touch.
  2. Eight (8) weeks before the performance date you will be contacted and given two (2) weeks to confirm your final numbers.
  3. Six (6) weeks before the performance date you will be issued with a final invoice with payment terms of thirty (30) days.
  4. There will be no reduction in numbers allowed once the final invoice is issued; if any additional tickets are required they will need to be paid for up front.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

Planning an excursion can feel a little like directing your own production. There's a cast to organise, transport to coordinate and a whole lot of moving parts!

But you don't have to do it alone.

Whether you have a question about seating, accessibility, bus arrivals or anything in between, our friendly team is always happy to help.

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre & Riverina Playhouse Box Office: 02 6926 9688

We can't wait to welcome you and your students!