Creating a Sensory-Friendly Theatre Production

Mastering Noise, Light, and Other Key Elements for an Inclusive Experience

For many, a trip to the theatre is an exciting escape into a world of storytelling and creativity. But for individuals with sensory sensitivities, a typical theatre production—with its bright lights, loud sounds, and crowded spaces—can quickly turn from an enjoyable experience into one of stress, anxiety, and sensory overload. Fortunately, with thoughtful adjustments, we can create sensory-friendly theatre productions! In fact, they can be more welcoming and accessible for everyone. While there is no universal solution, numerous strategies can be implemented to make performances more inclusive. The goal is to ensure that every individual feels comfortable and engaged.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the specific guidelines you can follow to design sensory-friendly theatre experiences. They will help with ideas about managing sound levels, choosing appropriate lighting, or creating quiet escape spaces. These practices will help make your theatre productions a more inclusive space for all.

Sound Adjustments for a Sensory-Friendly Theatre

Why Sound Matters
Loud, unexpected noises are one of the biggest challenges for people with sensory sensitivities. Research indicates that noise levels should ideally remain below 55 decibels to prevent distress among autistic individuals. In fact, this research shows that noise levels between 55-70 decibels can cause anxiety and lead to distressing behaviors. Therefore, managing sound is a key component of creating a sensory-friendly theatre production.

Here are a few practical sound adjustments:

• Maintain Lower Sound Levels: Keep audio levels below 55 decibels during key moments in the performance. It helps create a less overwhelming environment.
• Reduce Background Noise: Minimize the use of loud technical equipment. For example what can you change or dampen sound from projectors? Can you ensure they operate as quietly as possible?
• Provide Noise-Cancelling Options: Offer noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for audience members who may need them. These can provide an additional layer of comfort for individuals who are particularly sensitive to sound.

Unique Insight from Our Founder
Working in health care for 30 years and with my own hearing disaiblity, I see (and hear) firsthand how impactful sound management can be. I recenlty attended a theatre performance, using my hearing aids of course, where a slight adjustment in sound levels made all the difference. “It wasn’t just the volume,” Christel shares, “but also the timing and quality of sounds. Smooth transitions and soft background music created a calmer, more enjoyable experience for everyone. I could actually hear the performers when they spoke or sang.”

Lighting Strategies to Create Comfort

Sensitivity to Light
Lighting can either soothe or aggravate people with sensory sensitivities. Using natural light, where possible. Natural light reduces the harshness of artificial lighting. If natural light isn’t feasible, LED lighting is often the next best option. It has consistent, flicker-free output and there is evidence to support it works!
Here are a few adjustments that can make a significant difference:

• Use LED Lighting: LED lights provide a steady and quiet light source. Avoid the flicker and buzzing noise of fluorescent lights.
• Dim House Lights: Keeping the house lights on but at a lower level (approximately 20%) during the performance. That can help reduce anxiety without compromising visibility .
• Avoid Flashing Lights: Flashing lights can be jarring for those with sensory sensitivities. In fact, in some cases, they can trigger seizures in individuals with epilepsy. Ensure that no lights flash between 5-30 times per second .

Creating Escape Spaces for Sensory-Friendly Theatre Productions

What is an Escape Space?
An escape space is a designated area where individuals can take a break from the sensory stimuli of a performance. These spaces should be quiet, accessible, and adaptable to meet various sensory needs.

Designing the Ideal Escape Space

• Keep It Small: Ideally, an escape space should be available for either individuals or small groups (up to 5 people). This maintains the calm atmosphere and prevents overcrowding.
• Use Neutral Colors and Minimal Decorations: A simple, clutter-free design with neutral tones can reduce visual overwhelm .
• Provide Control Over Lighting and Sound: Allowing individuals to adjust the lighting and sound levels in the escape space gives them a sense of control, which can significantly improve their comfort.

Key Adjustments for Sensory-Friendly Theatre Productions

Sensory Challenge	Adjustment	Benefit
Loud, unexpected noises	Keep sound levels below 55 decibels, provide noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs	Reduces anxiety and sensory overload, especially for autistic individuals.
Bright, flashing lights	Use LED lighting, keep house lights dim (around 20%), avoid flashing lights (especially between 5-30 flashes)	Prevents visual overstimulation and potential seizures for those with epilepsy.
Overcrowded seating	Reduce audience size, allow more space between seats	Creates a more comfortable, less overwhelming experience.
No space for sensory breaks	Designate quiet escape spaces with neutral colors and minimal decoration	Provides a calming area for individuals to regulate emotions and sensory input.
Inconsistent visual stimuli	Avoid sudden lighting changes or visual effects that may be jarring	Helps maintain focus and comfort throughout the performance.
Need for advanced preparation	Provide pre-show tip sheets with detailed information on triggers, accessibility, and special effects	Helps individuals prepare in advance, reducing anxiety and sensory overwhelm during the performance.

Additional Sensory-Friendly Theatre Production Features

There are many other strategies to consider when designing a sensory-friendly theatre production. Here are some ideas to further enhance the experience:

• Reduce Audience Size: Selling fewer tickets creates more space for guests. They can then move around and reduce their feelings of overcrowding .
• Create a Judgment-Free Atmosphere: Encourage an environment where audience members can move, make noise, or leave as needed without fear of judgment .
• Offer Comfort Items: Provide fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and seat cushions. You can even simple crafts in the escape space to give individuals additional ways to self-regulate .
• Pre-Show Tip Sheets: Prepare a tip sheet with important details about the show. Include details like potential triggers and special effects. As well, add logistical information about parking, accessible toilets, and seating options . This helps individuals prepare in advance, reducing anxiety.

Understanding the Sensory Experience: The Eight Senses and Neurodiversity

When creating a sensory-friendly environment, it’s important to understand the full sensory experience. In addition to the five traditional senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell), three other senses—proprioception, vestibular, and interoception—play a key role in how people process information from their environment.

• Proprioception refers to the sense of body position and movement, helping individuals understand where their body is in space.
• Vestibular involves balance and spatial orientation, playing a key role in movement and coordination.
• Interoception is the awareness of internal bodily sensations, such as hunger or the need to use the bathroom.

For individuals with sensory processing disorders, neurodivergence (like autism or ADHD), or even conditions like PTSD, hearing loss, and dementia, managing these sensory inputs is crucial to their comfort in any environment, including theatres.

FAQs: Creating Sensory-Friendly Theatre Productions

1. What are the key features of a sensory-friendly theatre production?
A sensory-friendly theatre production typically involves sound level adjustments, modified lighting, and designated escape spaces.

2. Why are lower sound levels important in sensory-friendly performances?
Lowering sound levels helps reduce anxiety, particularly for individuals with autism.

Ready to Make Your Productions Sensory-Friendly?

Positioning sensory-friendly practices as part of your organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy can help broaden your audience and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy live performances. By incorporating sensory-friendly adjustments, you’re not only enhancing accessibility but also promoting inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals, as well as those with developmental disabilities or even post-concussion syndrome, and more conditions or differences.

Sensory-Friendly Theatre Production Training Available Now

Need more specific guidance for your theatre? We also offer industry-specific training to help you tailor your productions to be sensory-friendly. This is available as part of our training membership!

Watch this short video from Christel Seeberger, founder of Sensory Friendly Solutions, as she introduces our Training Membership! Our low-cost membership provides access to all our courses on sensory-friendly environments, including industry-specific training for theatres. Discover how you can make every aspect of your production more inclusive for those with sensory sensitivities.

Conclusion

Designing a sensory-friendly theatre production requires attention to detail and a commitment to inclusivity. By controlling sound, optimizing lighting, offering escape spaces, and employing additional sensory-friendly features, you can create a theatre environment that everyone can enjoy. Small changes can have a big impact, transforming your theatre into a space where all individuals, regardless of sensory sensitivities, feel welcome and comfortable.

Explore More

Ready for an encore? Explore our other acts on making theatre performances sensory-friendly and inclusive!

• Demystifying Relaxed Performances: A Welcoming World for All
• Bringing Down the Curtain on Sensory Overload
• Beyond the Footlights: Curtains Up on a Sensory-Friendly Theatre
• What Is a Sensory-Friendly Play?

Stay updated with our latest blog posts to keep up with trends and best practices for sensory-friendly spaces.

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