Relaxed Performances
These performances welcome audiences who feel that a more relaxed sensory experience or environment may enhance their experience of the production. Relaxed performances at GCTC make no adjustments to the show itself. Instead, we create a relaxed atmosphere for audiences to enjoy the show and listen to their body’s needs.
These performances include:
an Access Guide, sent in advance by email, so you can familiarize yourself with the theatre and the show in advance;
a chill-out room, available in the lower lobby if you’d like a break from the lobby or during the show;
a pre-show introduction with some of the content notes and sounds of the show;
audience lights in the theatre will be dimmed instead of off throughout the show;
a supportive environment where noise and movement is welcome during the show (ex: getting up, stretching, fidget toys, use of your device on silent, whispering with your neighbours).
you are welcome to come and go as needed throughout the performance; the doors to the theatre will remain open throughout the show.
These performances happen on the second Tuesday of the production. They are also reduced capacity performances meaning only 50% of the seats are sold. This means that there is space between you and other audience members. Also, everyone attending the performance must wear a mask during their time at the theatre.
Tickets to Relaxed Performances are at the reduced price of $30.
For increased financial accessibility, you may also purchase a “Come On In” ticket for $15. Click here for more information.
Questions?
For more information or questions about Relaxed and Masked performances at GCTC please reach out to Hugh Neilson, Managing Director, by email: hugh@gctc.ca or by phone: 613-236-5129 ext. 228. Or check out our FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Relaxed Performances in 2024-2025
[Image description: Text per caption. A photo of a man dressed as Abraham Lincoln wearing a black top hat, tailcoat, vest, pants, and black bow-tie. He holds a picture frame to the right covering half of his face. Inside the frame is the same image of him holding a frame covering the right half of his face. This is repeated four times within the frame he holds. The man’s image gets gradually smaller as it is repeated. There is a light grey backdrop behind him.]
[Image description: Text per caption. A photo of a man and woman seated on a small purple couch in the back of a U-Haul cube truck. The back door is open and a cardboard box and rug are tumbling out. The truck is packed with cardboard moving boxes, plants, a record player and lamp.]
Big Stuff
written and created by Matt Baram & Naomi Snieckus
co-created and directed by Kat Sandler
starring Matt Baram & Naomi Snieckus
a Baram and Snieckus production
Relaxed Performance Date: Tuesday, December 2 at 7:30 pm
Get more information about the show by clicking here.
Book your tickets to the Relaxed Performance by clicking here.
[Image description: Text per caption. A photo of two women sitting at an upright wooden piano. There are mismatched table lamps on each side of the piano and a brick wall behind them. One woman wears glasses and has light hair. She plays the piano while the woman beside her, with dark brown hair, watches.]
[Image Description: Text per caption. A green tinted photo of a woman with her eyes closed, her head tilted to the right with her arms extending behind her. Her arms and face are slightly blurred to indicate motion.]
Special Offer: Buy a Ticket Bundle and Save!
Buy a ticket to all four Relaxed Performances and save $20. A ticket bundle is available for $100, including tickets to all the above performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
[Image Description: Six icons read: Audience Lights on Low, Masks Required, Reduced Seating Capacity, Pick-Your-Price $5 ticket option, Access Guide (sent before the performance) and a Preshow Content Note Speech.]
What can I do at a Relaxed Performance?
A relaxed performance is for anyone who wants to enjoy live performance but may not feel comfortable in a traditional theatre environment. These performances relax typical theatre rules like using your phone or talking during the show. I can listen to my body’s needs. Such as:
 |
Stim |  |
Stretch |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Come and Go as I need |  |
Use Fidgets |
 |
Talk Quietly to my Seatmate |  |
Use ear Defenders or Sunglasses |
 |
Use my Phone or Tablet Quietly |  |
Use the Chill Out Room |
[Image Description: A room with blue soft walls, a blue couch, side table, chair, ottoman and yoga mats. Soft lamp lighting illuminates the space.]
What is the Chill Out Room?
The Chill Out Room is a soft space where you can feel what you need to feel, zone out, shift your focus etc. It is available while you are at GCTC when you see a show or buy a ticket. In this room, do what you need to do to adjust or soften your sensory experience. Examples of what you can do in the chill out room are: read, stim, stretch, listen to music, dance, yoga, talk, cry, laugh, lay down or sit.
Where is the Chill Out Room?
GCTC has a permanent Chill Out Room located in the first-floor lobby next to the washrooms. This is available whenever the lobby is open. For opening hours go to our “visit us” page here.