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‘Relaxed Theatre’ Opens the Door to More Patrons

By Debra Fendrich, Publisher, Pioneer Drama Service 

Last month, two different customers approached Pioneer Drama Service about adding a “relaxed theatre” performance to their production.  I don’t think this is a coincidence as a growing number of theatres are finding ways to open their doors to more patrons, including those with special needs.

So what is a relaxed performance?

According to the organization Sensory Friendly Solutions, a relaxed performance is designed to create a more comfortable environment for a wider array of audience members, making your theatre a welcoming world for neurodivergent individuals.  This involves making modifications to your actual production as well as to your physical venue.  By doing so, you can better accommodate people with sensory sensitivities so that they can enjoy the magic of live theatre alongside other patrons in a more relaxed setting.

Every theatre will have a slightly different approach to making a performance more relaxed, but below are some common ways for theatres to alter their traditional practices to prioritize creating a more manageable sensory environment where everyone can feel comfortable.

Visual Accommodations

• Eliminate fog and smoke machines
• Leave out strobe, flashing, or other lights that change quickly
• Avoid shining spotlights directly at the audience
• Keep the house lights on low

Auditory Accommodations

• Reduce the volume of the music
• Lower the overall volume of all the mics
• Leave out sound effects that could be startling or sudden
• Avoid sound effects that are intended to be spoken over, such as underscoring or a soundscape for ambiance

Physical Accommodations

• Anticipate more movement in the audience and prepare your cast accordingly
• Create an open door policy for easy access to restrooms
• Before the performance, share where you’ve created a “cool down area” outside the theatre and invite patrons to come and go from that area as they need
• Consider having reserved seating that includes an adjoining seat for a caregiver and possibly an emotional support animal
• Provide a quiet fidget toy to those patrons who might find it helpful

In advance of your relaxed performance, brainstorm with your cast and crew how to be prepared for these adjustments.  Hopefully, they’ll also have other ideas or strategies to suggest.

At your performance, start with a reassuring announcement about the changes you’ve made, about the restrooms and cool down area, and what sensory-rich moments the audience can expect.  A meet-and-greet after the performance where patrons can interact with the actors in the lobby and see them up close can be a magical experience both for the patrons and your actors.

Of course, doing a performance for an audience with special needs can be much broader than just neurodivergent people.  If you’re able to add ramps for those who are mobility impaired, create seating spaces for wheelchairs with an adjoining seat for a caregiver, or add closed captioning, more power to you!  The key, however, is to publicize your performance to the organizations and individuals that work with the populations you’re trying to accommodate.  A brochure or flyer detailing the modifications you’re making could be an extremely helpful marketing tool.

Marlon Espinoza, president and CEO of the Native Caribbean Foundation, shared that his relaxed performance of The Big Bad Musical was the first performance of its kind in the entire Caribbean and brought a lot of tears of joy.  Accommodating both the neurodivergent as well as those with other special needs including 18 wheelchair-bound children, he explained that these kids have never been invited to a musical theatre production and for almost all of them, it was their first exposure ever to live theatre.  He shared, “I feel an immense amount of personal satisfaction and joy at being able to provide these children with a life changing experience.”

We encourage you to broaden your audience and add an adapted performance that is comfortable and welcoming for special needs individuals.  If you would like to add a relaxed performance to your production, simply contact Pioneer Drama via online chat at PioneerDrama.com or phone at 800-33-DRAMA (800-333-7262).  Once again, you’ll be bringing to life our motto, Touching Lives Through Theatre...  Together™, in a very meaningful and impactful way.