Riley Bastarache, Grade 12, who has one of the lead roles (back row, second from left): “This has raised my awareness of how easy it is to help other people feel more comfortable. It’s pretty easy to accommodate different needs, so that everyone can enjoy the show.” (Photo: Chinook's Edge School Division)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Relax!

École H.J. Cody School is creating space for everyone to enjoy their new show

Feb 24, 2020 | 8:45 PM

When the Art & Soul for Everyone project at École H.J. Cody School in Sylvan Lake received a $15,000 grant last fall, they made a list of all the things they would need to achieve their goals.

Unlike the items needed for a typical production, the H.J. Cody list included things like soft lighting, ear defenders, fidget toys, and weighted toys and blankets for the theatre. They also added some accents to their sensory room and created a ‘chill out’ room in case guests need a quiet space during the performance.

The group set out to write and produce ‘Peace, Love & Music’ which is exciting enough. But they are also hosting a Relaxed showing of the play, which is designed for audience members who would benefit from a more relaxed sensory experience. The stage lights won’t be as bright, the sound won’t be as loud, and guests don’t have to be perfectly quiet in order to be welcome!

“We all have our struggles, but it shouldn’t stop people from getting involved in things and having fun,” said Rhys Grant, Grade 10 (back row at left in photo). “I have a cousin who has Down Syndrome and I’m also a close friend with someone who has special needs, so I sort of feel like I’m an ally. I love acting and my passion is the arts, but I’m considering a career working with people with disabilities.

“Society doesn’t always favour the type of audience we’re expecting at the Relaxed production. They think people watching theatre should be quiet and still. I just know that this theatre room has done so much for me and for so many others that it’s terribly sad to think that someone wouldn’t feel welcome here. We’re all so excited to welcome this audience.”

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Rhys plays a variety show host and performs a solo to open the show. A group of students from the cast and crew, along with teacher Jacqui Renwick, went to Calgary to consult with Riki Entz, an autistic actress and Audience Consultant for the Good Host Program, who helped the team navigate their Relaxed Performance.

‘Peace, Love & Music’ runs March 5-14, with the Relaxed performance taking place in the afternoon of March 14. For tickets and more information, visit www.hjcody.ca.

“We have been in consultation with our EAs and the Learning Services team to help make the day go as smoothly as possible – and some EAs will join as audience assistants that day,” said Ms. Renwick. “I think we’re the first Central Alberta group to hold a Relaxed performance. We’ve been told it could be a real game changer for these kids and their families – they will never hear a ‘shush’ here! We want them to experience theatre where everyone is invited.”

École H.J. Cody was one of three $15,000 grant recipients for youth-led projects in Central Alberta, presented by the Red Deer & District Foundation and RBC Futures Launch program. Folks from the school hope to make their inclusive items available to other schools and community organizations, and they are also planning to provide mentorship to neighbouring schools and communities, to make Relaxed performances more common.

(Sandy Bexon, Chinook’s Edge School Division)