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:
a display in the lobby with pieces from the show that you can interact with and engage with the show further;
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.
For increased financial accessibility, there are $5 tickets available for relaxed performances. Use “RP5” discount code online or through the box office.
Questions?
For more information or questions about Relaxed and Masked performances at GCTC please reach out to Drea, GCTC’s Access Manager by email: drea@gctc.ca or by phone at 613-236-5196 ext 235. 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.]
Abraham Lincoln Goes to the Theatre
by Larry Tremblay
translated by Chantal Bilodeau
Relaxed Performance Date: Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30 pm
More information about the show here.
[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
More information about the show 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.]
The Piano Teacher
written by Dorothy Dittrich
directed by Evalyn Parry
a Thousand Islands Playhouse production
Relaxed Performance Date: Tuesday, February 10 at 7:30 pm
More information about the show here.
[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.]
Jade Circle
written and performed by Jasmine Chen
directed by Derek Chan
translation by Johnny Wu
a rice & beans theatre production
Relaxed Performance Date: Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30 pm
More information about the show here.
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 |
How do I purchase the $5 tickets for the Relaxed Performance?
To book a $5 ticket, please type in the Promo code RP5 after putting your tickets in the basket. Here are the step-by-step directions:
Select your seat(s) and go to checkout. The tickets will be first listed at the regular price.
In the ‘apply code box’, type RP5. This will discount the tickets to $5. The summary screen will show you that you have used the promotion code RP5 and applied it to the ticket(s). Like the picture to the right.
Or you can call and book your tickets over the phone with the box office. Let them know you are taking advantage of the Pick-Your-Price option for $5 on the Relaxed Performance night.
What is 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.]
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.
What is an Access Guide?
GCTC’s access guides are digital Google documents. They are sent before the performance to give you more information about what to expect. This includes information about how to get to the theatre, what is available in the lobby, what the show is about (plot), the characters in the show, and detailed content notes. These content notes tell you about sensory elements like lights, sounds, video/projections, and show content. You can choose to read as much of the guide as you want to before coming to the show.
Tickets
Subscribe with us
There are many benefits to becoming a GCTC subscriber including the most economical pricing, free and flexible ticket exchanges, discounts at local restaurants, and first access to additional events. Learn more about how to subscribe by following the button below.Single Tickets
You can still attend relaxed performances without subscribing. By visiting the individual show pages you can purchase your tickets through the portal by selecting the appropriate date. These tickets will be on sale starting August 8th.