Curious Antecedents
Neurodiversity in Theatre
(Read from the first post at the bottom first and work up)
(Read from the first post at the bottom first and work up)
Before an obviously and explicitly neurodivergent character would have been allowed to be up on stage, neurodivergent people would first need to feel welcome in the theatre at all. “Relaxed” performances certainly helped with such. Autism Theatre Initiative, a branch of Theatre Development Fund started working with broadway producers to formulate relaxed performances. The first antecedent for the theatre version of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime is a disability theatre accessibility combined in box relaxed performances and National Theatre of the Deaf. “ATI pioneering the first autism-friendly Broadway musical in 2011 with The Lion King…Lisa Carling, director of the Theatre Development Fund’s (TDF) Accessibility Programs, which launched the ATI in 2011”(Viswanathan, 2015). Audience members often complain when in the presence of a autistic audience members due to their stimming. Ironically, most theatres prohibit snacks and fidget toys which help to lessen more distracting stimming. In order to create this neurodivergent history moment, ATI gathered a triumvirate of two autism specialists and a person with autism and asked them to make a list of critiques to bring to ATI who would then discuss with the producer all the necessary light and sound adjustments. They restricted all sound to 90 decibels and completely cut any strobes. Lighting personnel increased house lights by 30% for the whole show and lighting crew also softened any abrupt sensory moments such as blackouts to fades. Additionally, the theatre provided caregivers with special guides listing any significant sensory moments. Later, Aladdin received a sensory remake and listed the Cave of Wonders as a potential trigger. The production kept the fireworks but with reduced sound. The magic carpet soared over the audience (with house lights at full), this audience met the carpet not just with claps but jumps, and waves as well. A standout moment like this normally wouldn't have been allowed or even would’ve happened without first creating accessibility. ATI also works with producers to offer patrons tickets at a 40 to 50% discount for low income accessibility. ATI also offers seating charts listing speaker locations and inclined sections of the theatre like balconies. Additionally, they provide a script for caregivers to prepare their kids for what to expect when walking through Times Square (a particularly overstimulating experience for anyone but especially for those with autism) and what to expect in the theatre complete with a guide of all the characters and their pictures in the context of them on stage rather than having a headshot of an actor out of character and/or out of makeup. Furthermore, these performances include designated quiet areas where patrons can draw or color, play with toys or merely sit still if the performance gets too overwhelming. These shows staff 30 volunteers either with autism specialist certifications or individuals with personal experience in caring for autistic individuals. These volunteers arm themselves with earplugs or noise canceling headphones so patrons with the most sensory sensitivities can still enjoy the show. Lesli Margherita, Matilda’s mother in Matilda! remarked she particularly enjoyed performing for an energetic responsive audience. She also pointed out how appropriate it was to revamp a show about a little girl who sees the world differently for a whole audience of children who see the world differently. Lastly, ATI even provides a guide of the most autism friendly restaurants close to the theatre (low lit, no loud blaring tvs and lower noise in general). ATI mainly focused on shows, mainly only musicals, for younger audiences. However, when Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time came out, ATI reworked that show as well, and it made a huge impact for older individuals on the spectrum (Viswanathan, 2015).
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