Barter Player Libby Zabit hugs a young theatre goer at a show.
Barter Theatre continues its commitment to inclusivity and innovation by offering sensory friendly shows designed to welcome audiences of all abilities. These special performances adapt the traditional theater experience to create a comfortable environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
By adjusting lighting, sound levelsand providing a more relaxed atmosphere, The Barter Players ensure that everyone can enjoy the magic of live performance without feeling overwhelmed. These initiatives reflect the theater's dedication to making the arts accessible to all, fostering a community where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of theater.
“Barter truly believes in making theater accessible to as many people as possible, and this is another way we can make sure folks feel comfortable and welcome at our Barter Players shows,” said Barrett Guyton, Artistic Director of The Barter Players. “Currently, every Player show that takes place in Smith Theatre has a Sensory Friendly Performance, because we can offer the Smith Lounge as a quiet space.”
Before the Barter Players did their first Sensory Friendly Performance back in 2018, they knew they wanted to get extensive training so that they followed best practices, Guyton added.
“We received training from the Theatre Development Fund's National Autism Friendly Performance Training program, as well as working with a group of individuals in our area that work with individuals on the autism spectrum and have other sensory sensitivities,” he continued. “Following their recommendations, for every show we set up a Quiet Area in the Smith Lounge where there are coloring pages and other low-stimulus activities in case someone needs to step out of the performance.”
Every person from Barter who works an Sensory Friendly Performance, including the actors, director(s), ushers, and front of house, all have been trained specifically for sensory friendly shows.
“Before the performance, the cast, Associate Artistic Director Sarah Van Deusen, the director, and I all get together to rehearse any alterations we need to make to the show, such as slightly slowing down intense combat moments and altering any sudden movements or loud sounds,” Guyton explained. “We do not make any changes to the script, but sometimes, if there are intense or sudden combat moments, we slow them down a bit so they are less startling.”
The Barter Players also do an introduction before the play begins, where the actors all introduce themselves, what role(s) they're playing, and show some of the costumes, propsand set pieces.
“They also talk about how the lights will change, sound will changeand invite them to move around and enjoy the show in any way they like, “Guyton said. “If there are any potentially overstimulating moments, such as fight combat, they'll talk through that and what to expect, and make sure the audience knows that the actors are safe, as well as the audience.”
Barter encourages the sensory friendly audiences to get up and move around as possible, allowing any personal comfort objects (including iPads, stuffed animals, etc), and, thanks to friends at Abingdon Falls Plaza Hearing Center, Barter has many noise-canceling headphones that audience members can borrow from the box office and return.
“Our ushers are also trained specifically for Sensory Friendly Performances, including how to handle a potentially overstimulated individual. We also have members of our Community Support Team who attend the performances and are there to help should any need arise,” Guyton noted. “The box office and website do a great job of explaining what a Sensory Friendly Performance is and what those expectations are, as well as our website information on the Players' page.”
Barter is continually working on how to get the word out to groups, familiesand individuals who would best be served by a Sensory Friendly Performance.
“I hope that it leads to more inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. Earlier this year, I went to see 'How to Dance' in Ohio, a musical about individuals on the Autism spectrum, played by individuals who identify as on the Autism spectrum. It was wonderful,” Guyton said. “There were quiet areas throughout the theater, materials they passed out with the playbill, and it was a supportive, positive atmosphere. I'm looking forward to more experiences like that.”
For more information on the Barter Players and Sensory Friendly Performances, visit https://bartertheatre.com/the-barter-players/
