A Night at the Theater: Sensory-Friendly Performances

Image from MPR News: Summerset Theater

Theaters in Minnesota are beginning to adapt some of their performances for individuals with autism. Summerset Theater in Austin, Minnesota introduced this new form of showing on August 6th, though the Guthrie Theater has been putting on “relaxed performances” since 2018.

Live performances can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory-related disabilities. Bright lights, loud noises, and rapid movements can affect those with sensitivities. The “relaxed performances” put on by the Guthrie Theater are intended to accommodate all audience members, including individuals with dementia, autism, learning disabilities, or anxiety. These performances include modifications to the original show, including leaving the lights on and constancy of sounds and movements. Along with this, the Guthrie Theater introduced descriptive guides of the play for audience members and quiet spaces for individuals to take breaks in if overstimulated.

Jillian Nelson, an employee with autism at the Autism Society of Minnesota, has been a consultant for these sensory performances at the Guthrie Theater. Nelson tells MPR News that “accessibility needs to be all parts of our community, including our culture.” It is important for individuals of all ages with sensory-related disabilities to be included in all parts of their communities. Occupational therapist Gina Brady relates to MPR News that “decrease in anxiety, decrease in feelings of isolation, increase in academic achievement…it’s really important to be able to go out into the community and have these experiences.”

Many other Minnesota organizations have started offering sensory-friendly events as well. Though these sensory-friendly events are occurring at larger companies’ productions, such as the Minnesota Orchestra and the Children’s Theatre Company, smaller organizations are beginning to provide them as well. However, many of these performances are targeted at children with disabilities and their families, rather than adults. In her interview with MPR News, Nelson feels that “continuing to make theater accessible for people of all ages would be one of the most beneficial changes theaters across the country and across the state could make.”