The Atlanta Shakespeare Company produces a wide range of performances at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, including Shakespeare classics and original works, which are reflected in audience diversity. However, these performances have not been accessible for all, leading to the creation of relaxed performances.
When seeing a show at the Shakespeare Tavern, audience members watch plays in an Elizabethan playhouse while enjoying traditional tavern food. Performances are designed to be engaging and feature interactions with the audience. This creates a unique atmosphere many other Atlanta playhouses don’t offer. Sophomore Charlotte Reed was a recent guest of The Shakespeare Tavern.
“It was such a fun and beautiful show, and all the actors seemed to have such a fun time on stage,” Reed said.
The Shakespeare Tavern describes its performances as fast paced and exciting with startling sounds and bright lights. While some people find this format intriguing, the Shakespeare Tavern recognizes it may be difficult for others. Understanding these challenges led the Shakespeare Tavern to include some relaxed performances, which foster conditions that improve the experience for those on the autism spectrum or those with sensory concerns.
“I can definitely see how the performances can be overwhelming for some,” Reed said. “Though my experience was really fun, it can get pretty intense.”
Loud noises are minimized, house lights are dimmed and sensory items and different chair textures are provided to help manage stress. Furthermore, assistive technology is permitted and not considered a disruption to the performance. Laura Cole is the education and training director and helped with the development of the relaxed performances.
“The audience knows what’s going on, and no one gets upset if a kid wanders or is loudly responding to the show; the actors are specifically prepared for the adaptations,” Cole said.
Relaxed theater, which are sensory-friendly performances, started in the UK in the mid 2000s.
The idea spread to American theaters, which created their own spin on accessibility for those with sensory issues. Cole was specifically inspired by sensory-friendly shows at “The Lion King” on Broadway, which influenced her to bring the approach to the Shakespeare Tavern. She did extensive research to ensure the relaxed performances would create the right environment.
“I spoke to a contact who was running a big, informal parents group for kids on the autism spectrum, who gave me some terrific advice and recommendations,” Cole said. “I also spoke to one of our volunteers, who was a special education teacher for years.”
Sherry Neal is a teacher at David T. Howard Middle School and frequent patron of the Shakespeare Tavern.
“I think it is great that they are putting on relaxed performances for people with sensory needs,” Neal said. “Theater should be accessible to everyone, and the company is certainly working towards that goal. I also think it is important for all young people to have an opportunity to see Shakespeare performed.”
In addition to making the arts accessible, Shakespeare Tavern has also worked to give high school students a future in the arts by providing summer programs and classes.
“It is so important for students to have exposure to theater, in general, but also specifically to Shakespeare — we owe so much of our language and modern thought to his plays,” Neal said. “For Atlanta to truly be a cosmopolitan city, it needs a thriving arts community, and that means offering shows that are welcoming to all.”
Though relaxed performances’ purpose is to make the arts more attainable for audiences on the autism spectrum, they are not solely for these attendees. Cole said family members and friends are encouraged to accompany those with sensory issues, and other guests who may prefer a more relaxed environment are welcomed.
“Families of kids who need what a relaxed performance environment offers are thrilled to know they can bring the whole family, and although we get plenty of them as our audiences, I have noticed a bigger influx of parents/families with really young kids who would be uncomfortable in a ‘regular’ theatre performance environment,” Cole said.
