Theatre

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Emergency Lighting Requirements for Theatres & Performance Venues in Australia

Theatres & performance venues buildings must comply with strict emergency lighting standards to ensure safe evacuation during power failures or emergencies. Below is an overview of the requirements under Australian regulations.

1. Governing Standards & Regulations

Commercial emergency lighting must comply with:

  • National Construction Code (NCC) – Volume 1 (Building Code of Australia, BCA)
  • AS/NZS 2293.1:2018 – Emergency lighting & exit signs
  • AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) – Electrical safety
  • AS 1319:1994 – Safety signs
  • State-specific fire safety regulations (e.g., NSW Fire Safety Schedule)

Mandatory in:

  • Auditoriums and seating areas
  • Stage areas and backstage corridors
  • Dressing rooms and green rooms
  • Technical control rooms and rigging areas
  • Foyers and box office areas (open-plan areas, corridors, stairwells)

A. Illumination Levels

Area
Minimum Lux
Duration
Notes

Performance areas

0.5 lux

90 minutes

Audience areas

Exit doors & stairwells

0.2 lux

90 minutes

Uniform coverage required

Exit paths & stairwells

1 lux

90 minutes

Enhanced for high-density occupancy

Technical areas

0.5 lux

90 minutes

Includes rigging and fly galleries

B. Exit Signage

  • Black & green pictograms (AS 2293.1 compliant)
  • Mounted 2-2.7m high, unobstructed
  • Directional arrows where exits aren’t visible
  • Required at all final exits and stairwell entries
  • Fixture placement: Must avoid interference with theatrical lighting
  • Specialty fixtures: Required for high-ceiling venues (catwalks, gridirons)
  • Emergency lighting circuits: Must be separate from dimmed circuits
Test
Action

6-Monthly

90-minute test as per AS 2293.2

Annually

90-minute test and additional testing as per AS 2293.2

Documentation

Logbook - Required for audits
  • Coordinate with production lighting designers: During installs/upgrades
  • Install dedicated emergency lighting: In technical areas
  • Consider advanced testing systems: For hard-to-access fixtures
  • New builds: Full compliance required
  • Existing buildings: Gradual upgrades during renovations
  • Major refurbishments: Must meet current standards
  • Venue shutdown by local authorities
  • Fines & legal liability under WHS laws.
  • Increased injury risk during evacuations.
  • Invalidated insurance in case of incidents.

Note: Theatres with heritage listings may require special approvals for visible emergency lighting installations.

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