Relaxed Environment

"RE" for Relaxed Environment in white on a black circle

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).

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.

24.25 Season

Relaxed Environment Productions

RUTAS Festival | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: October 26 – September 6, 2024
 
Flin Flon Cowboy | Relaxed Environment | Captions
Show Run: October 18 – November 2, 2024
 
 

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
Show Run: November 8 – 10 and 15 – 17, 2024
Erased | Relaxed Environment 
Show Run: November 21 – 30, 2024
 
 
Peer Support Available on:
Saturday November 23 (7:30pm show) 
Sunday November 24 (2:00pm show) 

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

VUKA | Relaxed Environment
Show Run: December 1-3, 2023
 
 
As I Must Live It | Relaxed Environment | Captions

Show Run: Feb 11-March 2

Access Guide – As I Must Live It

Peer Support available on Feb 18 at 4:30pm & March 1 at 8pm *Mask Mandatory 

Mental Health Resources

No One is Special at the Hot Dog Cart | Relaxed Environment | Sensory Sensitive Run
Show Run: February 15- March 1, 2024
 

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 

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 

Access Guide – Woking Phoenix

Camille | Relaxed Environment

Show Run: May 10-12, 2024

Access Guide – Camille

Soliloquio | Relaxed Environment 

Show Run: May 17 & 18, 2024 

Access Guide – Beyond TO – Soliloquio

Peer Support available on May 17 & 18 at 7pm

Le Kitchen Party | Relaxed Environment 

May 21, 2024

Access Guide – Le Kitchen Party

Iron Chef | Relaxed Environment

May 22, 2024 

Access Guide – Iron Chef

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.

Relaxed Environments don’t need to be complicated. The responsibility for making a show ‘relaxed’ is shared by the audience, the venue and the performers. The elements that are included are:

  • A clear explanation for all audience members about what a Relaxed Environment is when you book your tickets
  • 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 to remind the audience that it’s a Relaxed Environment and giving anyone who needs to move or be noisy the freedom to do so
  • For Sensory Sensitive: consideration given to sound and lighting levels, taking into account sensory sensitivities (eg. Any jarring light effects will be lessened or removed while any strobe-light effects will be removed from the show entirely)
  • A quiet space outside the auditorium where people can go during the show if they need to
  • The ability to come and go from the theatre as needed

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.

However, if it were the case that a disabled person did not show up to a RE or SS performance, this just educated non-disabled audience members about how accessibility can be provided to disabled people. Who knows, you may know someone who would love attending a show in this type of environment!

If you have any questions, please contact the Box Office by phone at 416-504-7529 or Jenn Sartor by email 

Our Access Initiatives are made possible with the support of
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