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Relaxed Performance


  • Relaxed Performance

Relaxed Performances are specifically designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability.

The venue will look at how they can reduce some of the sensory aspects so they reduce the sound and lighting levels where needed, take out strobe or some flashing lights and any unexpected bangs/noises. If the auditorium is very dark the house lights are raised a touch. Audience members are able to walk in out of the auditorium as they need to and there are designated quiet areas as these help with stress levels. The staff are given some training so they have some basic understanding of autism and the cast are given a briefing as to how different this audience may react.

Bees! A Musical by WillFredd Theatre Company and The Ark presented an Autism Friendly Performance at The Ark, Temple Bar in February 2016. The Ark regularly programmes relaxed performances of its work and creates accompanying social stories to help prepare children for their visit. Photo credit – Ros Kavanagh

Bees! A Musical by WillFredd Theatre Company and The Ark presented an Autism Friendly Performance at The Ark, Temple Bar in February 2016. The Ark regularly programmes relaxed performances of its work and creates accompanying social stories to help prepare children for their visit. Photo credit – Ros Kavanagh

Jess Thom and Jess Mabel Jones performing in Backstage for Biscuit Land

Jess Thom and Jess Mabel Jones performing in Backstage for Biscuit Land

Jess Mabel Jones and Jess Thom in Backstage in Biscuit Land. Photo credit Jonathan Birch

Jess Mabel Jones and Jess Thom in Backstage in Biscuit Land. Photo credit Jonathan Birch

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