Autistic Audience Operas

In Melbourne, the Victorian Opera is doing a production of Hansel and Gretel that caters specifically for an audience of autistic children. Developed in association with the Arts Centre Melbourne and Arts Access Victoria, the program takes the special needs of autistic kids into account. Experiencing social situations can be difficult for those with autism, so these Victorian Opera performances were devised to address the issue some have with sensitivities to loud noises and darkness. This also applies to people with Down Syndrome.

With dimmed lights rather than darkness and low sound levels, tickets are also only sold to two-third capacity so audience members have more personal space and move about the auditorium if they wish. A narrator is also present to walk them through the story, while makeup-free actors introduce themselves before the play begins.