My Second Experience of Inclusive Theatre

The first taste was at the New Victory Theatre in NYC for a spring 2024 performance of I’mPossible, created by Omnium Circus. Wow.

Three volunteers staffing the main lounge stand and sit among colorful, playful sensory items along the open floorspace. — Staff and volunteers await patrons in what’s usually the main bar area. Cleared of most tables and chairs to allow more space, the open floor has a bright, colorful trail to a carpet with mixed sensory items and toys.

Yesterday, Seattle Theatre Group’s “sensory-friendly” matinee of Wicked at the Paramount offered a welcoming environment by way of mindfully transforming the lobby atmosphere and stage performance for the entire gamut of human experience. When the main doors opened earlier than usual to allow for a more relaxed arrival, patrons were greeted by trained staff and neon-green-shirted volunteers who provided fidgets, earplugs, and noise-canceling earmuffs. Pete the miniature pony proved the hottest pre-show attraction, courtesy of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Redmond, WA.

Quiet, Sensory, and Activity Zones scattered throughout the mezzanine levels gave audiences many options for rest, movement, or alternative engagement, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the performance without feeling confined to the auditorium. Large, neutralizing “Family Restroom” signs superseded the typical gendered signage, and further emphasized the event’s commitment to inclusivity.

Volunteers in neon-green shirts surround a designated Sensory Area at the northeast end of the First Mezzanine lobby. Vivid colors of the modern toys and sensory items contrast against the background of ornate red and gold brocade of the historic Paramount Theatre's walls and carpeting. — Four volunteers available at the first mezzanine Sensory Area, ready to provide patrons with items like plush toys, sand/water tubs, and more.

The production contributed to a calmer atmosphere with clear modifications of reduced sound levels, minimal strobe lighting, and omitted special effects. What a relief to enjoy the well-built natural acoustics of the venue, which few touring artists ever utilize! Closed captioning, plus dynamic and spellbinding ASL interpreters, as well as Audio Description and assisted hearing devices made the performance widely accessible.

People could audibly react to the show and leave their seats at any time, thanks to the advertised expectations of a judgment-free environment. Encouraged to bring their own comfort items, audience members also used personal devices with headphones in the theater. Make no mistake: evidence of the collective rapt attention rang out with every roaring round of applause after scenes and songs, especially “Defying Gravity.”

STG’s programming and teamwork demonstrated how simple-yet-impactful adjustments can transform live entertainment for many who might otherwise miss out due to the unnecessary and unimaginative restrictions of ableist practices. Gentle reminder: we human beings are only temporarily “abled” (in mind and body) throughout the full run of our given lifespans.

This American Theatre article (link here) about sensory-inclusive performance takes “friendly” to a stronger level of social change, and names several companies in the field with impressive leads to follow.

I look forward to highlighting more accessible events around town, ideally more often!