Relaxed Performances

What is a relaxed performance?

Relaxed performances are a way for the Capitol Theatre to welcome the Disability and Neurodiverse Communities to our shows by designing theatre experiences that are more inclusive. This means that some parts of the show might be a little different from what you’re used to. The house lights above the audience will be left on a low level, loud noises may be softer, and there will be more empty seats available so you can get up and move around when you need to.  We will also have quiet spaces outside the theatre for you to relax if you need a break during the show.

We have developed a venue guide and fact sheets for the relaxed performances that will help you know where to go and what to expect when you come to the Capitol Theatre. Our staff and volunteers have received special training so they are ready to help make your theatre experience fun, comfortable and work for you. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Tickets for relaxed performances

This season we have four relaxed performance shows:

We sell fewer seats for relaxed performances to make sure you have enough space to move around when you need to. Seats are available in groups of two and four with empty seats in between. If you have a group of five people or more, please call our Box Office at 1-905-885-1071, they will help your group get seats together where possible.

We provide 1 free ticket for support persons. A support person is someone who helps you navigate potential barriers in our theatre. They can help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs and more. Please call our Box Office at 1-905-885-1071 for help with your support person’s ticket.

Venue guide and fact sheets

We’re working on finalizing the venue guide and fact sheets. They will be available soon!

Frequently asked questions

What is a relaxed performance?

Relaxed performances are a way for the Capitol Theatre to welcome the Disability and Neurodiverse Communities to our shows by designing theatre experiences that are more inclusive. These shows are designed to accommodate people who may enjoy a more relaxed environment. 

This means the show may be adjusted to reduce sound and lighting elements that may be surprising or overly stimulating.  Audience members are welcome to get up and move around during the shows and take a break in our quiet space outside the main theatre space to relax at any time. Audience members who are blind or partially sighted are welcome to bring a support person who can help describe the show.

A venue guide and fact sheet will be shared with all audience members before the show. The venue guide will explain how to get to the Capitol theatre and have pictures and details about our space, including measurements of doors and washrooms, explain where to find the elevator and ramps, and what to expect in our main theatre space. The fact sheet will give audience members an overview of the show so they can learn about the show before they come and will contain sensory (lighting and sound) and content (anything in the play that may be sensitive for people ie. death, romantic love, swearing, etc.) information and warnings.

We will have plenty of staff and volunteers at each show who have been specifically trained for relaxed performances so they can be ready to help make your theatre experience fun, comfortable and work for you. 

We will have a quiet space available upstairs where you can find some cozy seating, places to draw, and have a snack while you relax if you need a break during the show.

The lights in the theatre will be left on at 30% and the audience is welcome to come and go as needed.

This season we have four relaxed performance shows:

  • Adult tickets are $25
  • Children’s tickets are $15
  • 1 free ticket for a support person

A support person is anyone whose job it is to help disabled and/or neurodiverse patrons navigate potential barriers in our theatre. They can help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs and more.

We are currently working on finalizing the venue guide.  The fact sheet will be available a week or two before the show in the same location. 

We will email a copy of the venue guide and fact sheet to all audience members a week before the show and have hard copies available on the day.

Absolutely! Everyone is welcome at our relaxed performances.

No, you do not need to disclose a disability to attend. All are welcome at our relaxed performances. However, if you have any questions about how we can help accommodate any needs you or your party may have, please contact the Box Office at 905-885-1071 or by dropping in.

One of the great things about a relaxed performance is that audience members are welcome to get up whenever they’d like. Seats will be sold in smaller groups so there’s a little extra room to move around. We are also saving some rows at the back of the theatre so if you want to change seats and move further away from the stage you can. Of course you can always take a break from the show entirely by going out to the lobby to get a snack or enjoy our quiet space upstairs (also accessible by elevator).

The Capitol theatre has a row of 8 seats specifically for patrons with wheelchairs and I’d be happy to help you select one of those seats. We are also happy to accommodate patrons with walkers and adaptive strollers. There aren’t dedicated seats for folks with walkers or adaptive strollers, however when you arrive a volunteer will help get you seated and can store any devices that you don’t need during the show in the hallway just outside the theatre. You can request it any time during the show should you need it.

Absolutely, service animals are welcome at all performances at the Capitol. At our relaxed performances we are leaving additional seats between groups; if that doesn’t seem sufficient to accommodate your service animal, please contact the Box Office at 905-885-1071.

Yes, audience members are welcome to use their cell phones, fidgets and other devices during the show. The only limitations are that the sound must be turned off and that audience members are not permitted to take pictures or record the show.