Partnership aims to make musical theatre more inclusive

Relaxed performances, which are part of a shift to make live theatre accessible to people who find the usual theater-going experience challenging, will be offered for the first time in the Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton area through a partnership with Community Living Wallaceburg and Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia (VPP).

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to accommodate those who will benefit from a less restrictive audience environment.

Everyone is welcome, including but not limited to those with intellectual or learning disabilities, sensory processing conditions or autism. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement within the auditorium, and some minor production changes will be made to reduce the intensity of light, sound and other potentially startling effects.

People with special needs, kids, caregivers, parents, siblings can experience a relaxed performance together.

“We love going to concerts, movies and the theatre, but rarely attend together with our adult son, who has autism. Sean gets very excited about new experiences and he loves music, but may become anxious during loud or dark scenes. If he becomes agitated, we may need to leave the theatre suddenly,” commented Sean’s Dad.

“All of this can be disruptive during a typical theatre performance. Outings usually involve bringing two vehicles so at least one of us can stay and enjoy the rest of the show. We are thrilled to have an opportunity to attend a Relaxed Performance at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. Knowing the production is adjusted to suit Sean’s needs, we’re looking forward to enjoying the music, sets and excitement of the theatre as a family. Relaxed theatre, to us, means that we can all relax without anxiety or worry, no matter what happens.”

Three upcoming performances in the 2018 season at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia will be offered in a relaxed format:

“Good Ol’ Country Gospel” – Thursday May 10, 2018 at 7:30 pm

“Rocky Mountain High” – Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2:00 pm

“East Coast Kitchen Party” – Thursday, Sept 13, 2018 at 7:30 pm

Special ticket pricing has been made available at $28.00/individual, or $85.00 for a family.

Call the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia Box Office to purchase tickets at 1-800-717-7694.

Limited wheelchair seating available, please contact Community Living Wallaceburg at 519-627- 0777 ext 2505 if you require wheelchair seating.

Community Living Wallaceburg will provide transportation from Wallaceburg to Petrolia for each performance.

For more details, click here.


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