Disney Theatrical Group is proud to be partnering with Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) and Amaze to offer a relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast the Musical in Melbourne on Saturday 22 March 2025 at 1:30pm. This unique and inclusive performance will be tailored, from start to finish, to ensure audience members who may need specific support can attend, engage and feel welcomed. Relaxed performances will also be held in Adelaide and Perth with dates and details to be announced in 2025.

A relaxed performance means that audience members will be encouraged to be completely themselves during the performance; to make sounds, move around, fidget or use noise cancelling headphones.

Aspect’s Autistic staff assessed the show and recommended modifications for the relaxed performance that consider the diversity of audience preferences, including sensory sensitivities.  Adjustments include a visual story that explains the show step by step, inclusive and welcoming language used on the official website and during the ticket buying process, increased staff and volunteers to assist audience members, turning off all announcements throughout the theatre, and providing a dedicated quiet room and multiple quiet spaces for use by anyone who needs a break from the performance. Amendments to the production for the cast and crew include noise reduction, keeping the house lights dim during the performance, and employing visual cues to act as a ‘pre-warning’ mechanism prior to potentially overwhelming scenes or moments.

A short pre-show welcome has been designed to introduce the audience to certain characters and stage effects that may be unpredictable or sensorially significant in advance. For example, the character of Lumiere’s hands are candles that light up with real fire, which will be explained in an approachable and respectful way to get the audience ready for the performance ahead.  

Tickets to the relaxed performance will be available across three price points, $60, $85 and $125 with no additional ticketing fees. 

In March, Beauty and the Beast will also host Audio Described and Auslan Interpreted performances. More information about these performances can be found at beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au/accessibility-inclusion/

ACCESS PERFORMANCES FOR MELBOURNE
Audio Described Performance | Sunday 16 March at 1pm

Relaxed Performance | Saturday 22 March at 1:30pm

Auslan Interpreted Performance | Wednesday 26 March at 1pm & Sunday 30 March at 1pm

Tickets are on sale now exclusively via www.beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au

VISUAL STORY – GENERAL PERFORMANCE

If you are attending a general performance of Beauty and the Beast (not the Relaxed Performance), please refer to the below visual story. A Relaxed Performance specific Visual Story will be available closer to the performance date.

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

About Aspect

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, Aspect works in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, and their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven. Aspect’s services provide people on the autism spectrum with the opportunity to realise their unique potential, as well as providing much-needed support to their families, carers, friends and colleagues. Aspect’s vision is to provide the best possible opportunities for people on the spectrum. They believe that people on the autism spectrum are a different brilliant®.  For more information please visit www.autismspectrum.org.au

About Amaze

Amaze is a leading autism organisation driving change so that Autistic people and their families can live their best lives. Amaze builds autism understanding in the community, influences policy change, and provides information and resources to individuals, families, professionals, government and the wider community. For more information, please visit https://www.amaze.org.au/