A Relaxed Environment (RE) is created for audiences who have various access needs that a traditional theatre environment does not accommodate. Before a Relaxed Environment performance, audiences will get a TPM Venue Access Guide and a show-specific Access Guide that gives them all the information they need to know for the performance (directions to the theatre, pre-show warnings, etc). The Access Guide will be available online, with a couple printed copies available at the theatre.
During a Relaxed Environment performance, an audience member can:
- enter and exit the theatre,
- move around throughout the theatre,
- can make noise or sounds,
- those who need to keep their phone on will be able to do so, on silent or on vibrate,
- a scent-free environment,
- throughout the show, there will be some light over the audience,
- The sound will not go above approximately 85 Db for extended periods of time.
There are no changes to the show (if you are sensitive to Light or Sound you might be interested in a Sensory Sensitive performance (see below).
A Sensory sensitive (SS) performance includes everything for a Relaxed Environment PLUS the sound, lighting and projections or elements of the performance might be altered or designed for that specific show to better include audiences who are sensitive to sensory stimulation. For example, if there are flashing lights they might be slowed down or the contrast might be changed so that it is not as intense.
Theatre Passe Muraille Venue Access Guide.
25.26 Season
Relaxed Environment Productions
BUTCH/ FEMME | Relaxed Environment & Sensory Sensitive
Run: September 20-27, 2025
What Brings You In | Relaxed Environment
Run: October 17-25, 2025
Access Guide Coming soon!
Other Supports during a Relaxed Environment Production
Relaxed Space
If you leave the theatre at any time there is a Relaxed space in the lobby you can visit. Our Relaxed Space is a quiet space equipped with comfortable seating, blankets, and sensory tools for any patrons who need a break from or would like to experience the performance in a more low-intensity environment.
What is Peer Support?
Peer support persons will be available at specific performances to provide one-on-one emotional support if requested. The Peer Support person will be available in the lobby for participants to talk through any thoughts or emotions that may come up due to the event’s content. They will have mental health resources on hand if further support is needed.
PAST SHOWS
Blind Dates | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: Feb 13-March 15 2025
ALSO: Blind Friendly | Captioned
The Little Prince: A Physical Theatre Adaptation | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: April 4-19 2025
The Little Prince Access Guide
ALSO: ASL Performance
Cispersonnages en quête d’auteurice | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: April 24-27 2025
GUIDE ACCESSIBILITÉ_ Cispersonnages
Guide d’accès (Venue Guide in French)
ALSO: Captioned
Taste of Hong Kong | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: May 13-17 2025
A Taste of Hong Kong Access Guide
Peer Support available on Wednesday May 14 and Saturday May 17 by Angela.
RUTAS Festival | Relaxed Environment
Flin Flon Cowboy | Relaxed Environment | Captions
Peer Support is available on:
Saturday, October 19 (7:30pm show) | Sunday, October 20 (2:00pm show) | Thursday, October 24 (7:30pm show) | Friday, October 25 (7:30pm show)
Saturday, October 26 (7:30pm show) | Wednesday, October 30 (7:30pm show) | Friday, November 1 (7:30pm show) | Saturday, November 2 (7:30pm show)
PXR Conference | Relaxed Environment
Erased | Relaxed Environment
Peer Support Available on:
Saturday November 23 (7:30pm show)
Sunday November 24 (2:00pm show)
Iron Chef | Relaxed Environment
May 22, 2024
Le Kitchen Party | Relaxed Environment
May 21, 2024
Access Guide – Le Kitchen Party
Soliloquio | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: May 17 & 18, 2024
Access Guide – Beyond TO – Soliloquio
Peer Support available on May 17 & 18 at 7pm
Camille | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: May 10-12, 2024
Woking Phoenix | Relaxed Environment | Blind Friendly
Show Run: April 18-27, 2024
Peer Support available on Saturday April 20 at 7:30pm and Friday April 26th at 7:30pm
No One is Special at the Hot Dog Cart | Relaxed Environment | Sensory Sensitive Run
Access Guide – No One’s Special at the Hot Dog Cart
Peer Support available on March 17 at 2pm and March 23 at 7:30pm
As I Must Live It | Relaxed Environment | Captions
Show Run: Feb 11-March 2 2024
Access Guide – As I Must Live It
Peer Support available on Feb 18 at 4:30pm & March 1 at 8pm *Mask Mandatory
VUKA | Relaxed Environment
Frequently asked questions about Relaxed Performances:
Many people may choose to attend a Relaxed Environment, either as an access requirement or because they like the inclusive environment.
Relaxed Environment Performances take a laid-back approach to noises or movement coming from the audience. They give everyone permission to relax and respond naturally. Many people feel that Relaxed Performances offer a more dynamic theatrical experience, which benefits everyone.
If you identify as being autistic, neurodivergent, disabled, or you don’t feel that traditional theatre environment meets your access needs, you may choose to go to Relaxed Environment and/or Sensory Sensitive Performance. This helps to make the environment less overwhelming.
There are specific elements that would make a performance a Relaxed or Sensory Sensitive. These elements are:
- A clear explanation for everyone in the venue about what a relaxed environment at TPM looks like. This will be offered when tickets are booked
- Pre-show information describing what to expect from the show
- Staff who take an inclusive approach from start to finish
- An introduction at the start of the show, reminding audiences about the RE or SS performance. This reminder will serve as an affirmation for audience members to experience the show as per their access needs
- A Sensory Sensitive performances will give specific consideration to sound and light levels. For example, if a show has flashing lights, the lights may be removed, slowed down, or dimmed to not be as intense
- A quiet space outside the performance space where people can go during the show if they need to
- The ability to come and go from the theatre as needed.
Relaxed Environments don’t need to be complicated, making a show ‘relaxed’ is a responsibility shared by the audience, venue and the performers.
Most of the time we can naturally edit out background noise, particularly if we know why it is happening. If you are deeply engaged in a performance, experience tells us that you will not get distracted. Many of those who attended a Relaxed Environment Performance have often said that the relaxed atmosphere has enhanced their experience.
Yes, there is accessible seating. If you require accessible seating, please make a note when booking your tickets online or contact the Box Office at 416-504-7529 or info@passemuraille.on.ca.
A Relaxed Environment and Sensory Sensitive performance is designed for those who have access needs that a typical theatre environment does not meet. For example, for autistic people, the sensory stimulation may be too overwhelming, so that is why sensorial effects may be slowed down or kept to a minimum. In a relaxed atmosphere, there should be no pressure to “act” a certain way. Audiences are rather welcomed and encouraged to come into the space as they are.
In the relaxed environment, there is no pressure to “act” a certain way, rather audiences are welcomed into the space as their whole self.
A visual story is a document that is used to prepare an audience for the performance and helps with making the experience of attending the theatre less overwhelming. Elements included in a Visual Story are:
- A synopsis of the show
- Pre-Show Warnings (Content, Environment, and Sensory)
- Accessible Route/Directions to the Theatre
- Photos of the Theatre and Lobby
- Photos of Characters/Cast
- And perhaps more, for example: Definitions, background on history or culture described in a play.
Disabilities are not always visible, so we will never know if a disabled person is not in attendance during our Relaxed Environment (RE) or Sensory Sensitive (SS) Performances. We should and can never assume that someone is non-disabled based on their appearance – this is actually a form of ableism.
Although RE and SS performances were created to increase access for Disabled individuals, it is an offer that can be beneficial for everybody. You are welcome to attend a RE and SS performance and see how it impacts your theatrical experience.
If you have any questions, please contact the Box Office by phone at 416-504-7529 or Jenn Sartor by email
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