Relaxed performances are an adaptive form of theatre designed to welcome people who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional theatre environment. This includes – but is not limited to – those with autism, sensory processing conditions, anxiety, learning or intellectual disabilities, difficulty sitting still or quietly, and families with infants and toddlers.

ABOUT THE SHOW: Sisters Glenda and Suzanne live a peaceful retirement selling homemade jam on Manitoulin Island. This summer, their usual concerns – trying to orchestrate sightings of their handsome veterinarian neighbour and preparing for the visit of Suzanne’s grown daughter, Beth – are complicated by a secret the sisters can no longer contain. When Beth arrives with secrets of her own, the three women are forced to face things that will change their lives and relationships forever.

Content warning

There are mature themes in this play (including sexuality, illness and dying). There is mild language and mild drug use.

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What sets relaxed performances apart?

While the artistic integrity of a play remains the same, the audience experience of relaxed performances differs in a few key ways:

• Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested payment of $10. All caregivers/support persons attend for free.
• The house lights remain on during the performance.
• Harsh sound and lighting effects are dampened or removed.
• There is a pre-show introduction to let people know what to expect and to establish an inclusive environment. The talk is led by our accessibility coordinator who has lived experience with disabilities. The talk includes a brief discussion of the play’s themes and any important historical context. The actors introduce themselves to the audience and briefly describe the emotional arc of their character and anything upsetting they may face during the show. There is an explanation and demonstration of effects that might be startling (i.e. loud sounds and prop weapons).
• The audience is reminded that there is a casual approach to movement and noise within the theatre space. Patrons can move, stand up, stretch, make noise, and exit and re-enter the theatre at any point during the show.

After the performance is over, the actors re-introduce themselves to the audience.