Sensory-friendly show breaks theatre rules to make audience feel safer

Topic: Theatre

Fri 15 May 2026 at 4:30am

Michele Saint-Yves likes sensory-friendly performances for neurodivergent people at the State Theatre Company.

In short:

The State Theatre Company has a sensory-friendly show for more audience members, including neurodivergent people.

Michele Saint-Yves says more access programs make people feel accepted and safer at the theatre.

What's next?

The arts company says many people want more accessible shows.

Michele Saint-Yves will never forget her first theatre experience at four years old.

Theatre changed her life and made her feel like she belonged.

Theatre gave her a sense of belonging.

Michele Saint-Yves writes and did not stop after a brain injury 25 years ago.

The brain injury gave her many health problems and sensory issues.

Michele needs to feel safe at the theatre and be able to leave if needed.

Normal theatre shows are very hard for her and she needs a day to recover.

Michele thinks theatre rules have been a problem for people with disabilities.

Kath Fyffe says the access program makes shows more inclusive.

The State Theatre Company has a sensory-friendly show with adjusted lights and noise.

People can leave or make noise if they need to during the show.

Kath Fyffe hopes more people will feel welcome at the theatre.

The company wants to be for all South Australians.

Kath Fyffe hopes for more sensory-friendly shows.

Michele Saint-Yves wears a fidget ring.

Michele likes the company's move to make theatre more inclusive.

Access programs bring communities together and make them feel accepted.

People can be themselves and not feel ashamed or scorned.

Theatregoers who are blind get a tactile tour at the Dunstan Playhouse.

Backstage access for vision impaired

The initiative expands the access program for blind or vision impaired people.

Simon Wong enjoys pre-show tactile tours at the Dunstan Playhouse.

Simon Wong is blind and goes to the theatre regularly.

In tactile tours, people can touch costumes and meet actors.

Simon likes the behind-the-scene tours and finds them very helpful.

The tours help him understand the show better.

The tactile tour gives a more complete experience for blind people.

The company offers audio described performances for some shows.

Alana Tiller likes the tactile tours and finds them very helpful.

Theatre brings people together, but blind people can miss part of the experience.

The tours add details that blind people would miss otherwise.

Alana Tiller goes to the movies or theatre with her guide dog.

Kath Fyffe says there is a demand for more accessible performances.

One in five Australians has a disability and needs accessible services.

Fri 15 May 2026 at 4:30am

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