Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

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RELAXED PERFORMANCES

Relaxed performances provide a welcoming, judgment-free setting for all to experience the joy of live theatre.

Access for all.

What are relaxed performances?

Audiences are expected to follow generally accepted “rules” of etiquette during a live performance, such as not speaking or moving during the show. Although this kind of etiquette provides a more enjoyable experience for some, it can be a stressful, exclusive environment for others. Relaxed performances are designed to create a comfortable arts experience for any audience member who may benefit from a more relaxed attitude surrounding these “rules.”

 

Who can attend?

Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with Autism, anxiety, dementia, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other sensory and vestibular sensitivities.

 

What should I expect?

Relaxed performance modifications include:

    • lower sound level for startling or loud sounds
    • low-level house lights remain on throughout the performance
    • reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience
    • relaxed attitude regarding noise and movement in the audience
    • space throughout the theater for standing and movement
    • freedom to leave and reenter the auditorium as often as needed
    • designated quiet areas within the theater facility

 

Contact us

If you have questions or need more information, please email our Education department.

 

Pricing

General public

Tickets to our holiday show relaxed performance are $12 with a $3 fee. Save your seat below.

For schools

Relaxed performances for schools and organizations fall under our Fairy Godmother Program and have the same qualifying criteria.

Use the Fairy Godmother form to request tickets to these performances; relaxed show dates are indicated on the form.

Holiday show

If you have questions or need more information, contact our Education department.

Relaxed performance tickets

Shows fill quickly and are distributed based on financial need, past relationship, and request submission date. Waiting lists are available for sold-out performances or if more dates are added.

Please contact our education department with any questions or to inquire about adding relaxed performances to our schedule.

Holiday show dates

Join us for one of our relaxed performances of Alice in Wonderland. Tickets are $12 per person.

  • Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 30,2024 at 2:00 pm
Alice in Wonderland. Book by Joseph McDonough. Music and lyrics by David Kisor.

Resources

Patrons attending relaxed performances will have access to previsit guides, social narratives, and other resources to prepare for their visit. These social narratives and previsit guides include a plot synopsis, descriptions and photos of characters from the production, diagrams and images of the theater, along with details about sensory conditions guests will encounter throughout our facility.

Fidgets, noise-dampening headphones, sensory cushions, and sunglasses are available at the box office. Patrons may request additional accommodations by calling the box office at least 48 hours ahead of the relaxed performance.

A student laughing while looking up in a wheelchair

Photo credits | Masthead, the cast of Sleeping Beauty (Ryan Kurtz); Accessibility, Phil Fiorini & Nathan Robert Pecchia in Fly By Night (Ryan Kurtz).