Having successfully launched “relaxed performances” during the world premiere of Amy and the Orphans, Roundabout will continue the accessibility initiative with its Broadway and Off-Broadway productions in 2019.
The first relaxed performance of the year will be the March 2 matinee of Sam Shepard’s True West on Broadway starring Ethan Hawke and Paul Dano.
Relaxed performances at Roundabout are open to all. They are an inclusive theatrical experience designed to welcome individuals with special needs and those attending with them. The performances, which are all matinees, are less formal and more supportive of sensory, communication, movement, and learning needs. The goal is to present the full artistic vision of the production with minor modifications and supports, including: capped sound levels with house lights set at a low level; materials provided in advance to help attendees prepare for the experience; and a break area for anyone who would like to step out during the performance.
Following True West, Roundabout will present relaxed performances for Merrily We Roll Along on March 30; Kiss Me, Kate (date TBD); and Toni Stone on July 20.
“Roundabout Theatre Company is firmly committed to reducing the barriers—financial, physical and cultural—that can inhibit theatergoing through a full complement of accessibility programs to welcome theatregoers with disabilities," says Todd Haimes, Roundabout artistic director and CEO. "I am thrilled to announce these relaxed performances to further expand our capacity to offer an inclusive, welcoming environment for all our patrons.”
In addition to relaxed performances, Roundabout also offers assistive listening devices, on-demand captioning and audio description, ASL-interpreted performances, and accessible seating and restrooms.
True West began performances December 27 at the American Airlines Theatre, where it will officially open January 24. Flip through photos of the revival below.
