Below are some suggestions and common practices for relaxed performances. Keep in mind, the needs of each production will vary. These options should all be regarded as suggestions for discussion with the Engager, not as definitive requirements.
Best Practices for Relaxed Performances
What is a relaxed performance?
Relaxed Performances are intended for an audience who may benefit from a more relaxed sensory experience or casual environment when attending the theatre. This audience might include (but is not limited to) patrons who have a sensory or communication disorder, an Autism Spectrum Disorder, or a learning disability. Parents with young children, or groups living with dementia or Parkinson’s Disease may also benefit from the relaxed performance experience. In short, relaxed performances are for anyone who wants to enjoy live performance but may not feel comfortable in a traditional theatre environment. To create a more welcoming experience for these audience members, there may be a different approach to FOH etiquette, and some minor production changes may be made to reduce the intensity of potentially startling moments.
What can be expected?
It should be noted that relaxed performances vary widely, and what may be needed for one production may not be needed for others. There is no standard criteria for “relaxed”, and several factors need to be taken into account, including which elements are essential for the production, and for whom the performance is intended. In many cases all that may be needed is a more relaxed attitude to etiquette and expectations from the house, some additional information about a particular production element (e.g. strobe lighting or startling noises), or some context (e.g. a performance synopsis, a visual guide, a pre-show introduction, or an onstage tour) to help audience members know how to understand some of what they are seeing/experiencing.
If a relaxed performance is being staged for a specific target audience, as opposed to open public sale, it is strongly recommended that advance consultation take place with a knowledgeable representative of that target audience. They will be specifically aware of sensitivities or other issues related to the group, and will be able to make useful suggestions as to what changes might be beneficial, and which may not be needed at all.
Rehearsal and performance considerations
In prep week, ask your engager if there is a relaxed performance scheduled. If there is, get a discussion started with your Director, designers, and theatre management (e.g. the Education / Outreach / Community department, FOH, Production Manager, Technical Director and head venue technician) as soon as possible.
Things to think about:
- Are there fights in the show?
Do these need to be taken down in intensity for the relaxed performance? Is giving context to the fight with a warning or a pre-show demonstration of the fight appropriate? - Will the actors be introduced before the performance?
Will this be staged, or an informal meeting? Will they be asked to introduce their characters or give any additional context to the story? - Will there be any script changes for the relaxed performance?
- Are there new/altered lighting and sound elements that actors will interact with?
- Have the actors been prepared for an audience which may be more vocal/active than other audiences they have had during the run?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may want to advocate for some dedicated rehearsal time to integrate these new elements and make sure your team is prepared to enjoy the relaxed performance. If possible, see if this can be scheduled in advance of opening so that designers are present to make adjustments if necessary.
Technical considerations
- Are there loud/potentially-distressing sound cues in the show that may need to be omitted or reduced in level?
Will a warning at the top of show suffice?
Is providing a pre-show demonstration of the sound cue to prepare the audience for this moment appropriate? - Are there any potentially distressing lighting cues or effects that might be taken down in level, omitted or changed?
For example, consider if the hazer might need to be turned off, if you should forgo the strobe lighting effects for the relaxed performance. Consult with your director and lighting designer early, so that these changes or alternatives can be integrated in technical rehearsals. - Discuss whether the relaxed FOH etiquette means that the house lights are to remain on for performance
Set a suitable level with your lighting designer and director before opening, and make sure the actors have a chance to see it! You may also want to check to see if there are blackout moments that need to be properly staged or cleaned up now that they will be seen.
If there are changes made to the lighting and sound design for the relaxed performance, consult with your director and designers early so that these changes or alternatives can be integrated in technical rehearsals. Discuss whether or not that means there are alternative show files that need to be loaded for the relaxed performance. If so, make sure this is communicated to your venue technician.
Front-of-House considerations
Discuss what a more relaxed approach to FOH etiquette might mean with your theatre management, director and Front-of-House Manager.
- Does the house need to be opened earlier than usual to allow the time for patrons with mobility issues to get to their seats?
- Will seating need to be removed so there is more accessible wheelchair seating?
- Find out if patrons will are permitted to use light-emitting electronics or “fidget devices” during the performance
If so, be sure to communicate this to your cast in advance. Will these devices be on silent? - Will the theatre doors remain open for the performance?
Patrons are typically able to enter and exit as they desire in a relaxed performance. If this is the case, communicate this to your cast, and discuss the procedure if there are entrances through the house. - Are patrons able to bring snacks or drinks into the theatre?
- Are the ushers easily identifiable to patrons? Are any additional ushers required?
- Is there a comfortable place in the lobby for patrons to relax in if they need to leave the theatre during the performance?
Is there program video for patrons to watch the performance in the lobby? - Is there a pre-show speech that introduces the concept of relaxed performances and the theatre’s particular approach to them?
Who is delivering it? If the speech is also intended to provide context regarding the specific content/ action of the piece, make sure the Director has a chance to review it.
Whatever the FOH protocol is, it is important that it is clearly communicated to the actors. Acknowledging that they will likely experience different lighting conditions, increased movement or involuntary noises in the house in advance allows them to prepare and will make the experience more positive for everyone.
Your role as Stage Manager
Finally, it’s important to remember that discussions about the theatre’s particular approach to relaxed performances should primarily be led by the engager or the consultant they have hired.
As a stage manager, your role is to consider how this approach affects your team’s working conditions, rehearsal time, and artistic process. You can set the tone for a successful relaxed performance by communicating this information to the artists involved well in advance. If your team knows what to expect, you can help ensure that the focus remains not on the stress of making “last minute changes”, but on the joy of making theatre more accessible for all!