Tim Bray Theatre Company: sensory relaxed performances

Tim Bray Theatre Company began providing sensory relaxed performances in 2019. A sensory relaxed performance creates a less formal, supportive atmosphere in the theatre.

The plot, characters and story were unchanged from standard performances, but some technical elements like lights and sounds were softened. The show also offered extensive support resources.

These enabled neurodivergent children and their families, and anyone who enjoys a more relaxed theatre atmosphere, to enjoy a comfortable and inclusive theatre experience.

Resources

These resources are available to help audiences prepare and enjoy the performance:

Welcome video to prepare for theatre visits

Video includes captions. A short summary or transcript is available below the video when watched on YouTube.

Story summary sample (PDF)

Open PDF

Downloadable PDF. Opens in a separate application.

Sensory relaxed seating plan (PDF)

Open PDF

Helps audiences choose seats near exits or away from speakers. Opens in a separate application.

A pre-show introduction was also available. Taking place 15 minutes before the show, audiences were invited to take their seats early to see a demonstration of some of the lights, sounds and surprises in the performance, and to meet the actors.

Handbook and Learnings

Tim Bray Theatre Company published the Sensory Relaxed Performances for Children handbook to share learnings about relaxed and sensory relaxed events, including how standard shows can be adapted.

You are welcome to download a free copy of the handbook (PDF) to develop your own relaxed or sensory relaxed performances.

Tim Bray Theatre Company designed a logo for its sensory relaxed performances to sit alongside the audio described and NZSL interpreted logos. This logo is distinct from the 'R' symbol used for relaxed performances, which differ from sensory relaxed performances in some small but important ways.

Tim Bray Theatre Company has gifted the use of this logo to the arts community of Aotearoa. If you are putting on a sensory relaxed event, you may use this logo. Please credit its creation to Tim Bray Theatre Company on your website or materials.

---

Discover more accessibility resources from Tim Bray Theatre Company

About the Tim Bray Theatre Company

Read about the history of Tim Bray Theatre Company

Audio described performances

Explore the company's approach to audio description

NZSL interpreted performances

Learn from TBTC about NZSL interpreted performances

Back to Tim Bray Theatre Company resources hub