Performing Arts Centre Iceland, The National Theatre of Iceland, Reykjavík City Theatre and Reykjavik Arts Festival join forces in offering a two-day workshop on relaxed performances for neurodivergent audiences for performing arts professionals.
In recent years, Relaxed performances have emerged as a way to ensure accessibility of performing arts for diverse audiences, including neurodivergent individuals.
The aim of the workshop is to increase the understanding and skills of producers of staged works and performing arts venues to adapt spaces and staged works to diverse audiences. Relaxed Performances are concerned with all points of contact of neurodivergent individuals in live performances, from information sharing and reception, to content and staging. The workshop is conducted in English and is intended for professionals in the performing arts.
We have invited the specialist Zoe Halliday to lead the workshop. Zoe herself is a neurodivergent performer from Scotland and founded her company RAP: Relaxed Accessible Performance which specialises in counselling, teaching and training in relaxed performances. Zoe additionally works as an accessibility manager for CCA in Glasgow.
In recent times, there has been a call for greater inclusion, diversity and accessibility in the Icelandic theatres. It is our hope that with the workshop, one step will be taken to make performing arts a more accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Thursday 14 March and Friday 15 March
The National Theater
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM Neurodiversity: Myths, Lies, and Legends
13:00 - 14:00 Unpick session. Informal time for questions/focused discussion.
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM Relaxed Performances: What, Why, and Who?
13:00 - 14:30 Drop-in session for those looking to implement Relaxed Performance/Have individual concerns/questions.
The objective is to promote accessibility and diversity in theatres, focusing on practical approaches to accommodate all audiences.