What is Relaxed or Sensory-Sensitive Theater and Why is it Important?
While some describe Relaxed or Sensory Sensitive Theater as an event, or a specific set of accommodations, I consider Relaxed and Sensory Sensitive Theater to be a mindset. It’s the belief that live performance is life-giving and important for everyone to be able to access, and the recognition that, for some people, the sensations of theater and the traditional expectations of audience members prevent them from being able to attend live performances. There are myriad things an organization can do to create a more sensory sensitive experience, everything from offering a specific sensory sensitive performance, to providing tools like audience guides which make attending a traditional performance possible for those with sensory sensitivities, to shifting theater culture and welcoming a wider range of expressions and behaviors from audience members during performances. The important thing is for arts organizations to recognize that arts access and equity matters, choose to invest in creating more equitable access for those with sensory differences, and begin taking steps towards inclusion.
What is the difference between Relaxed and Sensory Sensitive Performances?
In traditional performance there are many demands on audience members. They must sit still in a darkened theater, applaud at the appropriate times, laugh in the “right” spots (but not too loundly or for too long), and remain in their seats for the duration of the performance. In a Relaxed Performance we change the expectations for audience members. We allow people to vocalize as best suits them, move their bodies as they need to enjoy the performance, sit with the house light on at a low intensity, wear noise reducing headphones and provide spaces away from the show to regulate and relax. In short, we invite everyone to enjoy the show in the way that is most comfortable for them. In Sensory Sensitive Performances we often change elements of the show as well. We may turn down sound effects, decrease the intensity of visual effects and make other changes of the performance to reduce sensory input.
Why can live performance be challenging for some people?
Traditional theater performances ask that audience members remain quietly seated in a dark environment for the duration of the performance. This can be a barrier to participation for many people who are neurodiverse and people with disabilities including but not limited to people on the Autism Spectrum, and people with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and auditory sensitivities. Performances often have loud sound effects or music, bright lights, surprising visual effects and moments of heightened emotional intensity which challenge people with sensory sensitivities. The fact is, almost everyone experiences moments of heghtened arousal from sensory stimuli. Think about when you might have been bothered by a tag in your clothing, the scent of someone’s perfume, or the ticking of a loud clock. For people with increased sensitivities the amount of sensory input in a typical theater experience may make attending a traditional theater performance unmanageable. Sensory Sensitive theater changes the traditional theater paradigm, creating a more equitable experience for all.
How is it different from traditional theater performances?
One of the key elements of Sensory Sensitive theater is providing a warm, accepting environment for all audience members. Often people with sensory differences, or parents and guardians of children with sensory differences, feel unable to attend typical experiences like a play out of fear that other audience members won’t tolerate the way the way they react to the show. This anxiety leads to choosing not to attend theater performances, limiting opportunity. Creating a welcoming environment where the full spectrum of human diversity is welcomed, knowing no one will judge them or members of their group is one way to promote occupational justice and equity. This doesn’t have to happen in a separate Sensory Sensitive Show, this welcoming attitude can be embraced at all performances.
In a universal design approach, creating sensory sensitive theater experiences doesn’t detract from anyone’s enjoyment of the show, it simply provides additional supports for audience members who experience sensory processing challenges. There are many different ways to create a Sensory Sensitive theater experience, and I tailor my approach to the venue, production team, and expected audience. It might be as simple as creating an audience guide highlighting moments of increased sensory input. This guide includes a scene by scene breakdown of sensory elements in the show that may be visually, auditorily, or emotionally intense, or involve audience interaction. This helps audience members enjoy the performance by avoiding sensory surprises that may be dysregulating. Just providing this simple tool can open up the show for many people.
It could be as involved as creating a specific Sensory Sensitive performance of a show. In those instances there are many supports we can put in place. I can collaborate with the production team and suggest small modifications to sound, lighting and other elements for a less intense sensory experience. Visual supports are put in place throughout the lobby and theatre. Often some seats in the audience are left open so that the house doesn’t feel as crowded as a full show does. Areas in the house can be designated as places where people are free to stand or walk around, as well as areas where people can use tablets or other devices during the show. While the show is going on, usually the house lights are left at 30-50% of their usual level rather than having the audience be entirely in the dark. Outside of the theatre, in an area of the lobby or a nearby room we often create a “relaxation area” where people who want to take a break can relax and regulate. Finally, during the performance I can be available to support audience members as needed.