Hello everyone and welcome to this video tutorial on what you need to know to organise and hold relaxed performances. Many of the general steps already outlined in the first two video tutorials you have watched on the general steps involved in ensuring inclusion for all apply to relaxed performances and are therefore not repeated in this video. The tasks presented here fall into four categories: scheduling, fulfilling the technical requirements, spatial organisation and navigation, and communication and staff training. However, the first thing to think about is scheduling. Try to book the dates and times for the performance and pre-show familiarisation tour of the venue as far in advance as possible. Consider your target audience, which may be children in school groups, families or people who live in supported housing, and think about what times in the day or evening might suit them best. Try to ensure that you do not schedule your relaxed performances at times when the venue will be bustling with people. As for spatial organisation and navigation, plan for designated quiet �chill out� areas and ensure they will be clearly signposted and easily accessible. Make sure that ushers and other front of house staff are trained to assist patrons with getting to the agreed meeting place for the pre-show tour and with getting around the venue, to get their tickets, or to go to the quiet areas, the bathroom, the cloakroom or bar, and schedule for additional staff to be on hand to assist with this. When it comes to organising the promotional material for the event, in addition to following the general guidance in the first video tutorial on the general tasks involved in providing accessible events, it�s a good idea to post an accessible video on the venue or show�s website explaining what relaxed performances are. Moreover, you will need to organise training for all staff on holding relaxed performances and ensuring that all are aware of the importance of creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere. It is particularly important for front of house staff to be trained on the importance of audience members being able to walk in and out of the auditorium as they wish. Technical and creative staff will require training on reducing sound and lighting levels, keeping the house lights on during the performance, warning patrons in advance about any loud noises, and ensuring that there are no strobe or flashing lights. Another important technical requirement is to display the show in other areas of the venue on screens with speakers so that patrons are not disorientated by the disjointed story when re-entering the auditorium. Last but not least, it will be necessary to decide who will plan and conduct the pre-show tour of the theatre and who will take part. On the day of the relaxed performance, check that a member of technical team will be present during the pre-show tour to ensure that the auditorium and stage are well lit. Make sure that patrons are informed in advance of the meeting place for the pre-show tour and that the location is easily accessible. Also, check that the routes that will be used during the pre-show tour, such as from the meeting place to the auditorium, are clear and free of trip hazards. For more guidance on what to do on the day of the relaxed performance and after the event, refer back to the second video on ensuring inclusion for all.
