What is a "Relaxed Performance"?

All around the country, theatres put on accessible performances for different people with different needs. A relaxed performance is a show that’s been adapted to suit people who might require a more relaxed environment when going to the theatre. Usually, these are adults or children with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication disorders.

People with conditions like these can find standard theatre performances overwhelming or unpleasant. Common triggers are darkness, loud music, sudden noises and a generally unfamiliar environment in which you’re expected to sit still and quiet for a long time.

To make theatre more accessible to people who might struggle with these aspects, shows will put on a relaxed performance.

At the Station Theatre we will produce relaxed performances with the following changes/aims:

Some technical changes may will be made – this is likely to be quieter music, reducing loud or surprising sound effects and avoiding effects like strobe lighting.

The atmosphere will be more relaxed in that the house lights won't be turned off and might not even be dimmed. We will keep the foyer open so that it provides a ‘chill-out’ area for people to visit if the experience becomes overwhelming. People will be allowed to enter and leave the auditorium freely, and there will be an open attitude towards audience noise and movement.

For relaxed performances we will also provide a social story via our website to explain what someone should expect when visiting the theatre. The social story will be a short and simple description with photos explaining what a visitor should expect to see and experience throughout the visit.

Here is an example of a social story from a London theatre.

Social stories can reduce the stress of theatregoing and help people understand what is going to happen next.