The Relaxed Performance Project concluded last month with the Autism and Theatre—Inspiration Day 2013, a day long conference attended by over 170 industry delegates.
The launchpad for the Project was the 2011 Autism and Theatre Conference and the development of existing work that some theatres had undertaken in the field of autism-friendly or relaxed performances.
Eight theatres were selected based on the productions on offer and staff across the departments were given autism-specific training and advice on how the production and venue could be adjusted for this audience group.
The project outcome included a 10-point best practice model for relaxed performances and an ambition to develop the initiative to all UK theatres and the arts sector.
All of the eight theatres involved in the pilot project are continuing to programme relaxed performances. These are the National Theatre, Grimsby Auditorium, Lyceum Theatre in London, Oxford Playhouse, Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe, Theatre by the Lake in Keswick and Unicorn Theatre in London.
Commenting on the project, Jeremy Newton, CEO of The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts, said, “This project marks the beginning in improving access and making cultural venues much more welcoming and inclusive for children and families.
"The pilot has shown that there is an audience for relaxed performances, and we wish to see relaxed performances scheduled with the same regularity as audio-described, captioned and signed performances.
"This is all about inclusion, tolerance and understanding. Children and the Arts believes that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by the arts, but unfortunately many children with autism have faced an unfair barrier to access.
"There is much more to be done and we are looking forward to continuing our work enabling more children and young people to experience life-enriching cultural experiences."
The evaluation report, case studies and executive summary can be downloaded from the TMA UK web site.