A collaboration between Autism Ontario and the Shaw Festival provided families with autistic members the opportunity to enjoy a special relaxed performance of The Secret Garden, an evening of live theatre they might not have otherwise experienced. 

One hundred and twenty-five families, including approximately 35 autistic family members, attended the play in July at the Royal George Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, said Vanessa Coens, Autism Ontario’s Events and Outreach Specialist – West Region. “I was so excited,” says Vanessa, who represented Autism Ontario at the event. She added that the play was very well received. "For many of these individuals and their families, it was their first live theatre experience, which made it even more exciting." 

The play is based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 children’s novel The Secret Garden, which is about a young orphan named Mary who struggles with acceptance and discovers a hidden world that helps her. The book has been adapted for stage and screen many times. 

The Shaw Festival occasionally offers relaxed performances to accommodate patrons with developmental disabilities like autism, where the usual “rules” of theatre are adjusted. For instance, house lights are dimmed but not completely turned off, and there’s more flexibility in staying seated. Quiet spaces are also provided for those who might feel overwhelmed. “If you need to get up or leave the auditorium or theater, you are more than welcome to,” said Vanessa. “There’s a quiet space where you can still hear the performance if you need a break from the full theatre experience.” 

Autism Ontario began working with the Shaw Festival before the pandemic. Just before COVID-19 struck, Autism Ontario partnered with the festival on a relaxed performance of A Christmas Carol, which Vanessa attended with a local adult support group. “It went really well,” comments Vanessa. “We had about 20 adults attend with me, and it was great.”   

That event's success laid the groundwork for future collaboration; however, due to the pandemic, plans were paused. After COVID, the Shaw Festival and other theatre groups focused on offering relaxed performances. Vanessa noted that the partnership with Autism Ontario has grown stronger. “When I reached out about involving more families, not just adults, I saw they had made many changes. They now have two staff members dedicated to accessibility.” 

Vanessa was especially impressed by the festival’s preparation for the event. Each family received a booklet explaining the theatre layout and quiet areas, as well as introducing the actors — both in and out of makeup. A cast member also came on stage before the show to discuss what to expect. “This helped families prepare for the experience, especially if things were a bit louder,” Vanessa explained. 

Feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive. “We had feedback from families who said, ‘We lasted 45 minutes; we didn't even think we would last five minutes, and we really enjoyed it.’” 

Several families also appreciated the care taken to create a supportive environment. With Autism Ontario’s involvement, they felt confident they would be well taken care of. “That speaks volumes about the programs and events we offer,” says Vanessa. “Many families also told us they wouldn’t have ever been able to attend a theatre performance without Autism Ontario.”