Circa is committed to making theatre accessible, so we run Relaxed Performances to help make the theatre a comfortable place for anyone with mental or physical disabilities.

A Relaxed Performance is a stage production different to your usual theatre show.  It is constructed with the needs of disabled audience members in mind, particularly those with intellectual disabilities and those who are on the autism spectrum. We understand that, for certain groups of people, the theatre can be a difficult place to navigate with all its codes and conventions.

People with disabilities, especially children and their families, can find it near impossible to be comfortable in a theatre environment; especially when staying quiet and siting in your seat for the duration of the entire show can be difficult for some people.

Circa theatre’s Relaxed Performance is aimed at anyone with disabilities, both mental and physical. It constructed a safe environment for them to watch and enjoy a live theatrical experience. There is a lot of perpetration that goes into the relaxed performance mainly for the audience members; showing them photos of the performance space in advance, and conducting the show win less intense lighting, less loud noises, the house lights remain on and the patrons can roam around the space and sit where they like. We also provided a break out space and show notes with an outline of the plot highlighting any areas which may trigger a response from sensory impaired patrons.

Relaxed performances can be a great way to welcome disabled people and their families.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact  access@circa.co.nz