At Esplanade, we believe that every child should have the chance to experience the joy of live theatre—to laugh, wonder and be part of a shared story. For some families, however, traditional theatre settings can feel overwhelming. Lights dim, sounds swell and silence is expected. For children with sensory sensitivities or special needs, these environments can be challenging.

That’s why we create relaxed performances. But what does a relaxed performance mean?

These are inclusive performances where audiences are free to move, react and participate in their own way. They’re designed to welcome everyone, including children who might find conventional theatre settings stressful.

We create these environments to not only help children enjoy the performance, but also to encourage empathy. By seeing other children engage with the performance in their own way, they gain a deeper understanding of how different needs are part of the shared experience.

What makes a performance “relaxed”?

A relaxed performance is one where everyone can feel comfortable and included. These performances adjust the usual theatre rules to make the experience enjoyable for children of all abilities and temperaments.

In a relaxed performance:

• Seating is flexible. Families can choose where and how they’d like to sit, whether it’s on the floor, on cushions, or in chairs.
• Lighting stays gentle. The auditorium is never pitch-dark, so children can still see their surroundings and feel safe.
• Movement and noise are welcome. No one is asked to stay silent or still. Children can laugh, dance or respond freely.
• Families can come and go as needed. Some venues even offer a live video feed in the foyer, so no one misses the story.
• Actors are part of the experience. They often acknowledge the audience’s reactions, creating a two-way interaction that feels natural and inclusive.

These simple adjustments make a big difference. They help children and families enjoy the magic of theatre without pressure or fear of “breaking the rules.”

They also provide an opportunity for children to observe how others may experience art differently. Through this, they develop empathy and a greater understanding that some children may need to move around, make noise or respond in their own way—all while still enjoying the performance.

Why relaxed performances matter for families

For many parents and caregivers, the thought of bringing a child with special needs to a theatre can feel daunting. What if the child becomes anxious? What if they make noise? Relaxed performances remove those worries.

These performances:

• Ease parental stress by creating a judgment-free space. Parents don’t have to worry about their child’s reactions.
• Offer a positive first theatre experience for young children, especially those new to live performances.
• Support children with autism, ADHD or sensory sensitivities by providing an environment that respects their needs.
• Encourage empathy and joy through participation. When children are invited to move and respond, they connect emotionally with the story and with others around them.

At their heart, relaxed performances are about belonging. They say to every child and family: “You are welcome here.”

Esplanade’s PLAYtime! series and relaxed performances

At Esplanade, inclusion isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into everything we do. Our PLAYtime! series for early years is designed as a relaxed experience by default. Every production in the series embraces the principles of accessibility, creativity and connection.

In PLAYtime! shows, stories unfold through interactive staging and sensory-friendly design. Children are encouraged to explore, touch and participate in the storytelling. Sets are child-sized and inviting, and performances are inspired by themes close to home, from local literature to everyday experiences.

Because PLAYtime! performances are always relaxed, families never have to ask for special accommodations. It’s our way of ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of theatre as it was meant to be—open, playful and shared.

Support for relaxed performances

Our approach to relaxed performances is guided by early childhood education principles and supported by research in developmental psychology.

Studies have shown that sensory play, the type of play that engages touch, sound, sight, and movement, helps children build emotional awareness and resilience. According to recent research published in Early Years Research Quarterly (ScienceDirect, 2023), sensory-based experiences foster inclusivity and emotional regulation in early learning environments.

Theatre, too, is a powerful tool for learning. A study by the National Library of Medicine (PMC, 2022) found that role-play and storytelling help children develop empathy, confidence and cognitive skills. When children take part in performances, or even watch them in a safe, welcoming setting, they learn to imagine, to listen and to understand different perspectives.

Similar inclusive theatre models have been adopted by leading arts organisations around the world. The National Theatre in London, the Sydney Opera House and the Lincoln Center in New York all run relaxed performances that adjust sound, lighting and audience expectations to make theatre experiences accessible to everyone.

These findings affirm what we see every day at Esplanade: that inclusive theatre experiences nurture not only creativity but also compassion and connection.

Tips for parents attending a relaxed performance

Every family’s first theatre visit is unique, but here are a few simple ways to make the experience even smoother:

• Arrive early. Give your child time to settle in, look around and feel comfortable with the space.
• Talk about what will happen. Explain in simple terms that there will be music, lights and people acting out a story. Encourage natural responses. If your child wants to move, clap or ask questions, that’s perfectly fine. In a relaxed performance, expression is part of the experience.
• Pre-event guides: To help prepare for the performance, families can download a pre-event guide from the event page on Esplanade.com to familiarise themselves with the performance and venue ahead of time.
• Calm Spaces: If your child feels overwhelmed during the performance, Esplanade offers Calm Spaces located outside the venue. These spaces are designed to provide a quiet, comfortable environment where families can take a break and regain their calm. Items such as ear defenders, sensory toys and cushions are available in these spaces to help children feel more secure and at ease before returning to the performance.

With preparation and understanding, families can make beautiful memories together free from pressure or worry.

The bigger picture: accessibility in the arts

Relaxed performances are part of Esplanade’s wider mission to make the arts accessible to everyone. Beyond the theatre, we offer spaces and programmes that invite exploration and play, such as PIP’s PLAYbox, PIP’s Trail and our free outdoor performances. These initiatives all reflect our belief that art belongs to all—not just those who can sit quietly in a theatre seat.

Accessibility is not just a programme; it’s a promise. By designing experiences that meet children where they are, we build a future where everyone, regardless of ability or background, feels that the arts are for them. Through these experiences, we also nurture empathy, helping children understand and appreciate that others may engage with the arts in their own unique way, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community for all.

Make Esplanade part of your family story

When families attend a relaxed performance, they do more than watch a show. They’re taking part in a moment of connection, empathy and imagination. These experiences stay with children long after the lights come up.

At Esplanade, we’re proud to open our doors to every family, every child and every story. Whether it’s your child’s first theatre experience or one of many, we invite you to explore our upcoming PLAYtime! productions and discover how relaxed performances can make the magic of theatre truly welcoming for all.

Discover more about PLAYtime! at Esplanade and join us in making the arts a joyful, inclusive space for every child.