Low Sensory Performances and Relaxed Performances are designed to be inclusive of neurodivergent audiences.
They are not necessarily an event specific only to identifying members of the neurodivergent community, all are welcome to be in attendance. In fact, creating experiences that are low sensory or relaxed, by nature, tend to appeal a broader range of audience. This could include elderly folks, parents with children, etc. Mapping these accessible opportunities into your work is both opening up access to it and opening up audience.
Sometimes a performance will have what’s called a Relaxed Attitude. This means that audiences can come and go as they please and move around and make noises as they need to. A Relaxed Attitude is a great move to making your work more accessible, however it does not constitute as either a Low Sensory or Relaxed Performance. Read on to find out what each is and how to implement them in your work.
<aside> ✨ In consultation with the neurodivergent arts community, Melbourne Fringe have settled on two labels with which to designate low sensory adjustments to events:
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Relaxed Performances and Low Sensory Performances are designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for autistic people and/or people with sensory and/or neurological differences such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, and others. They are also amazing opportunities to break down the traditions around the “etiquette” of performance and provide a more relaxed environment for all audience members to enjoy the work.
Hosting a Relaxed Performance or Low Sensory Performance means neurodivergent people might be comfortable to express themselves, as a safe space has been created for them to experience your work. They are designed to break down the accessibility barriers for people who may find visiting a theatre or festival daunting.
And truly, making your art more accessible to all is ****always ****a great thing to push for.
A Relaxed Performance has specific requirements of facilitation which are outlined below. Whereas a Low Sensory Performance is slightly more flexible.
There are some basic required elements of a Low Sensory Performance, including;
You can also add Enhanced Low Sensory elements such as;