A relaxed performance is intended to be responsive to and inclusive of audience members who may benefit from a considered, relaxed environment at the theater, including (but not limited to) those with autistic spectrum conditions, anyone with sensory or communication disorders, learning disabilities, or anyone who wants more freedom as an audience member. A relaxed performance works to break down the expectations put onto an audience member, regarding their role as an audience member. Loud noises, bright lights, unclear rules and protocols, and not being confident in going to the theater can all be detractors to those who would like to come along. A ‘relaxed’ performance works to meet that audience where they are, giving permission for people to be comfortable as themselves, and relaxing the rules of theater to allow for this.
The Wilma is in the beginning stages of implementing this particular accessibility offering and is looking forward to it growing into a robust offering for those that would like to engage in this way. Below are some ways to engage with the performance:
● The audience lights will remain slightly dimmed throughout the show, so there is never any moment of complete darkness.
● Should an audience member want or need to leave the performance and take a moment to relax or to attend to their own or another’s needs, they are encouraged to do and Wilma Staff will be available to assist if necessary.
Check out this video for a short tour of the theater before you arrive.
Eternal Life Part 1 contains adult language and mentions of death
There is a fidget library in the back of the house with sensory items and toys, acupressure rings, balancing birds, stress balls, and sensory bags. We ask that you return the items at the end of the show. Friendly for all ages.
Guests may go to the restroom anytime they may need. The restrooms can be found in the theater lobby. All restrooms are gender-neutral.
There are House Managers in the lobby and in the vestibules available to patrons before, after, and throughout the performances.
This play happens in approximately 2 hours and includes one 15-minute intermission. Audiences may take a break and walk around the lobby or outside the theater building during the intermission.
For this production, we are offering a mix of mask-optional and mask-required performances. You can see a list of upcoming performances and their requirements here.
Audience members who wish to continue wearing masks are always welcome to do so.
There are four large projection screens located on stage that rotate between images of nature landscapes and video feeds of actors in snowflake costumes; there is also a smaller circular projection screen on the house as well as a circular module that opens automatically when actors retrieve items based on waving their hand in front of it.
There is a voice very similar to that of a smartphone that represents the house that responds to the actors in the show from an actor that is never seen on stage.
In Act I there is consistent snowfall on the side of the stage indicating Winter.
There is a light blue casket that lives on stage throughout the performance.
At the end of Act I there is an abrupt light shift where the lights shift to red and purple.
At the end of Act I there is a loud noise that sounds like an alarm that accompanies the abrupt light shift.
The actor playing the goose does wander at different parts of the show into the audience and on the stairs.
