Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances are an adaptive form of theatre designed to welcome people who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional theatre environment. They make plays more accessible from sensory, emotional, physical, and financial standpoints. At their core, these performances are about inclusivity, diversity, and empathy.
People who might enjoy relaxed performances include – but are not limited to – those with autism, sensory processing conditions, anxiety, learning or intellectual disabilities, difficulty sitting still or quietly, and families with infants and toddlers.
There is enormous community support for our relaxed performances. They are highly anticipated, well-attended, and beloved by many. We have a loyal group of patrons who exclusively attend our relaxed shows and who return for every performance. We also welcome several new faces at each relaxed show as the word continues to spread. A vast spectrum of people attends our relaxed performances, including many with disabilities.
Why are they important?
We passionately believe that all members of our community should be able to enjoy the art we present on our stage. We also recognize that many people, for a variety of reasons, don’t feel comfortable in a traditional theatre environment. We aim to meet their needs with our relaxed theatre program.
Everyone who attends a relaxed performance commits to being compassionate, understanding, and kind. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and as accessible as possible.
What sets relaxed performances apart?
While the artistic integrity of a play remains the same, the audience experience of relaxed performances differs in a few key ways.
The audience is reminded that there is a casual approach to movement and noise within the theatre space. Patrons can fidget, stand up, stretch, make noise, and exit and re-enter the theatre at any point during the show, for whatever reason.
The lights in the audience remain on during the performance.
Harsh sound and lighting effects are dampened or removed.
There is a pre-show introduction to let people know what to expect and to establish an inclusive environment. The talk is led by our accessibility coordinator who has lived experience with disabilities. The talk includes:
-A brief discussion of the play’s themes
-Content warnings
-Actor introductions, where the actors briefly describe the backstory, main qualities, emotional arc, and important actions their characters undergo during the show
-Explanations and demonstrations of effects that might be startling (i.e. loud sounds, musical instruments, prop weapons)
-After the performance is over, the actors return to the stage to re-introduce themselves to the audience. This usually involves the actors saying “although my character was murdered/ill/distraught, I am actually alright.”
Tickets are $10.50, but free for caregivers/support persons. (In comparison, a single ticket to a regular show is $41.)
Where do relaxed performances take place?
Relaxed performances take place on our stage, like all other shows. Our theatre is located on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, commonly known as Prince George. We are proud to be the largest professional theatre serving the Northern half of the province.
Theatre NorthWest
Unit 36
556 North Nechako Road
Prince George, BC
Available: ear protection, hearing assistance, Telecoil receiver, fidget items.
People who might enjoy relaxed performances include – but are not limited to – those with autism, sensory processing conditions, anxiety, learning or intellectual disabilities, difficulty sitting still or quietly, and families with infants and toddlers.
There is enormous community support for our relaxed performances. They are highly anticipated, well-attended, and beloved by many. We have a loyal group of patrons who exclusively attend our relaxed shows and who return for every performance. We also welcome several new faces at each relaxed show as the word continues to spread. A vast spectrum of people attends our relaxed performances, including many with disabilities.
Why are they important?
We passionately believe that all members of our community should be able to enjoy the art we present on our stage. We also recognize that many people, for a variety of reasons, don’t feel comfortable in a traditional theatre environment. We aim to meet their needs with our relaxed theatre program.
Everyone who attends a relaxed performance commits to being compassionate, understanding, and kind. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and as accessible as possible.
What sets relaxed performances apart?
While the artistic integrity of a play remains the same, the audience experience of relaxed performances differs in a few key ways.
The audience is reminded that there is a casual approach to movement and noise within the theatre space. Patrons can fidget, stand up, stretch, make noise, and exit and re-enter the theatre at any point during the show, for whatever reason.
The lights in the audience remain on during the performance.
Harsh sound and lighting effects are dampened or removed.
There is a pre-show introduction to let people know what to expect and to establish an inclusive environment. The talk is led by our accessibility coordinator who has lived experience with disabilities. The talk includes:
-A brief discussion of the play’s themes
-Content warnings
-Actor introductions, where the actors briefly describe the backstory, main qualities, emotional arc, and important actions their characters undergo during the show
-Explanations and demonstrations of effects that might be startling (i.e. loud sounds, musical instruments, prop weapons)
-After the performance is over, the actors return to the stage to re-introduce themselves to the audience. This usually involves the actors saying “although my character was murdered/ill/distraught, I am actually alright.”
Tickets are $10.50, but free for caregivers/support persons. (In comparison, a single ticket to a regular show is $41.)
Where do relaxed performances take place?
Relaxed performances take place on our stage, like all other shows. Our theatre is located on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, commonly known as Prince George. We are proud to be the largest professional theatre serving the Northern half of the province.
Theatre NorthWest
Unit 36
556 North Nechako Road
Prince George, BC
Available: ear protection, hearing assistance, Telecoil receiver, fidget items.
Contact Page: https://www.theatrenorthwest.com/relaxed-theatre/
Details
Disabilities
Acquired Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autonomic Dysfunctions/Dysautonomia, Behaviour Disorders and Conditions (ie. ADHD), Blind / Visual Impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Circadian Rhythm Disorders , Deaf / Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, Down Syndrome , Dual Diagnosis, Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Spectrum Disorders , Intellectual / Developmental Disability, Learning Disorder / Disability, Long-COVID/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Mental Health , Neuromuscular Disorders, Other / I don't know, Paraplegia / Quadriplegia, Physical Disability / Mobility Impairment, Schizophrenia , Speech Impairment / Social / Communication Disorders, Spina Bifida, Substance Use/Addiction
Age
0-99
Eligibility
N/A
Locations
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