Relaxed Performances
Our next Relaxed Performances:
What is a Relaxed Performance?
A Relaxed Performance is a live show with a more flexible and welcoming environment. These performances are designed to make theatre more comfortable and accessible for a wide range of people.
Audience members can enjoy the show in the way that works best for them. You are welcome to move around, leave and re-enter the theatre, use fidget or stim toys, make noise, laugh loudly, or take a break when needed. There is no expectation to sit still or stay silent for the entire show.
When it comes to content, we adjust lighting, sound, pacing, and audience expectations to help more people feel comfortable while attending the show. These performances still feature the same high-quality improv comedy from our performers. Our goal with Relaxed Performances is to make live comedy welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Who Are Relaxed Performances For?
Relaxed Performances are open to everyone. They may be particularly helpful for:
- Autistic audience members
- Neurodivergent people
- People with sensory sensitivities
- Audience members with chronic pain or mobility needs
- People with anxiety or communication differences
- Families with young children
- First-time theatregoers
- Anyone who prefers a more casual and flexible theatre environment
You do not need to disclose a disability or diagnosis to attend a Relaxed Performance. These performances are designed to welcome anyone who would benefit from a more accessible theatre experience.
What Does a Relaxed Performance at The Improv Centre Look Like?
Our Relaxed Performances include a few adjustments designed to create a more sensory-friendly and flexible environment:
- House lights stay partially on during the performance.
- No complete blackouts.
- Music and sound effects are played at a lower volume.
- Sudden loud sounds and startling stage effects are reduced whenever possible.
Audience members are welcome to:
- Enter and leave the theatre during the show
- Move around or change positions as needed
- Use fidget or stim toys
- Make noise, vocalize, laugh, react, or ask questions
- Quietly use phones or tablets as accessibility tools (no recording or photography, please)
Our Relaxed Performances embrace a “come as you are” atmosphere. There is no expectation to sit perfectly still or remain silent throughout the show.
A Chill-Out Zone will be available in our lounge area for anyone who needs a quieter space.
This area includes:
- Reduced sensory stimulation.
- Seating and space to decompress.
- Stim and fidget toys.
- A place to reset before returning to the show.
Audience members are welcome to use this space at any time during the performance.
Our performers and hosts will adjust the pacing of the show to support a more relaxed environment.
This may include:
- Slower transitions between games.
- Clearer explanations from the host.
- Fewer sudden loud moments or intense transitions.
- More flexible audience participation.
Some improv games involve audience participation. To help everyone feel comfortable, audience members will be offered optional interaction stickers when they arrive.
These stickers let performers know your comfort level with participation.
- Green Sticker – I feel comfortable interacting with performers
- Yellow Sticker – Please ask before interacting with me
- Red Sticker – I would prefer not to participate
You can change your sticker at any time during the show.
Our staff and performers are dedicated to respecting your preference throughout your visit to the theatre.
Access 2 Card Program
The Improv Centre is proud to participate in the Access 2 Card Program. Audience members with a valid Access 2 card are welcome to bring a support person or caregiver at no additional cost.
To reserve a complimentary caregiver ticket, please contact our box office before your performance date, and we will either provide you with a booking code or be happy to assist with your reservation.
Please have your valid Access 2 card with you to provide upon arrival to our staff for verification.
Planning Your Visit
We know that having information ahead of time can make attending a live show feel more comfortable.
If you have questions about accessibility, seating, sensory needs, or how to prepare for your visit, our box office team is happy to help.
We encourage guests to reach out in advance if there is anything we can do to support your experience at the theatre.
At The Improv Centre, we believe live comedy should be welcoming, joyful, and accessible for as many people as possible.