Beauty and the Beast
Disney Theatrical Group has announced a special relaxed performance of the beloved musical Beauty and the Beast in Perth on September 21, 2023. This adaptive show aims to provide a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment for audience members on the autism spectrum. The initiative is part of a broader effort to make theatrical experiences more accessible to individuals with diverse needs.
The production has been developed in collaboration with leading autism advocates, including guidance from Emma Gallagher, an autism consultant at Aspect: Autism Spectrum Australia. Gallagher emphasizes that traditional theatre environments can often be overwhelming for autistic individuals due to bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces. In a relaxed performance, these sensory challenges are modified, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.
“It’s quite common for autistic people to struggle to access things that everybody else gets to experience,” Gallagher stated. “Events like this have a lot of features in the sensory sense. In a relaxed performance, a lot of the sensory challenges are turned down or modified to make them easier to experience.”
Gallagher brings her own lived experience as an autistic person to her consultancy work, ensuring accommodations are effectively implemented. She has attended every relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast across the country to oversee the adaptations. “It’s so much fun and it’s so beneficial to the community,” she added. “Many families with an autistic child and a non-autistic child often have to split up on weekends for activities because the autistic child isn’t accommodated for. We’ve received feedback that this is the first time they’ve been able to go out as a family.”
The improvements in accommodations for individuals with autism have been significant in recent years, facilitating greater accessibility in public spaces. Gallagher notes that knowing there is a quiet room available can make a substantial difference for autistic individuals. “I often worry about having a meltdown in public without a place to go to regulate myself, which means I have to leave events early,” she explained. “My favorite experience at the moment is that a lot of concert venues are now including quiet rooms. Previously, I might have only lasted 10 or 15 minutes at a concert, but knowing there’s a quiet room to calm down means I can enjoy these experiences more fully.”
The upcoming relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast at 12:30 PM offers an opportunity for families to enjoy the theatre together in a supportive environment. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity in the arts, helping to ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy live performances. As more venues adopt similar practices, the hope is to continue breaking down barriers and creating space for all members of the community to share in the magic of theatre.
