Relaxed Performances

These performances welcome audiences who feel that a more relaxed sensory experience or environment may enhance their experience of the production. Relaxed performances at GCTC make no adjustments to the show itself. Instead, we create a relaxed atmosphere for audiences to enjoy the show and listen to their body’s needs.

These performances include:

  • a display in the lobby with pieces from the show that you can interact with and engage with the show further;

  • an Access Guide, sent in advance by email, so you can familiarize yourself with the theatre and the show in advance;

  • a chill-out room, available in the lower lobby if you’d like a break from the lobby or during the show;

  • a pre-show introduction with some of the content notes and sounds of the show;

  • audience lights in the theatre will be dimmed instead of off throughout the show;

  • a supportive environment where noise and movement is welcome during the show (ex: getting up, stretching, fidget toys, use of your device on silent, whispering with your neighbours).

  • you are welcome to come and go as needed throughout the performance. The doors to the theatre will remain open throughout the show.

These performances happen on the second Tuesday of the production. They are also reduced capacity performances meaning only 50% of the seats are sold. This means that there is space between you and other audience members.  Also, everyone attending the performance must wear a mask during their time at the theatre.

For increased financial accessibility, there are $5 tickets available for relaxed performances.  Use “RP5” discount code online or through the box office.

Questions?

For more information or questions about Relaxed and Masked performances at GCTC please reach out to Drea, GCTC’s Access Manager by email: drea@gctc.ca or by phone at 613-236-5196 ext 235.  Or check out our FAQs at the bottom of this page.

 

Relaxed Performances in 2024-2025

[Image description: An ink drawing of a man and a woman, bent and contorted to fit into a shoebox. The woman, left, is upside-down. Around them and between them are various articles from their tiny apartment including a teapot, broom, violin, cassette tape, and a smoking furnace. The drawing is coloured in various shades of pink.]

The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine

by Robert Morgan, Martha Ross & Leah Cherniak

directed by Geoff McBride

starring Maryse Fernandes & Drew Moore

Ernest and Ernestine are in puppy love. Then they move into a tiny basement apartment together. Can their love sustain cohabitation? A hometown team of Ottawa’s finest take on this Canadian comedy classic.

Relaxed Performance Tuesday, Oct 1, 8 pm

Learn more about the show here.

 

[Image description: An ink drawing of a soldier in a helmet; a notebook, pen, pencil, and paintbrush are tucked into the helmet. The soldier has a moustache and wears glasses. Words including Grendel and homesick are tattooed on his head. Around him float images including a boot, knife, moon, skull, poppies, and more. The image is coloured in various shades of green.]

Beowulf in Afghanistan

a World Premiere by Laurie Fyffe

directed by Kate Smith

A Canadian soldier harnesses the medieval Anglo-Saxon text of Beowulf as a life raft through the clash of conflict, and after. A world premiere, supported by GCTC’s Tributary Project.

Relaxed Performance Tuesday, Nov 19, 8 pm 

Learn more about the show here.

 

[Image description: An ink drawing of three figures with objects appearing to be thrown or floating above them in the spirit of “anything goes”! The figure to the left wears scuba goggles, a mask, and cap, their arms are raised. The central figure wears a bird head mask, standing behind an oversized microphone. The figure to the right is wearing a space helmet, their arms are raised and their mouth is open. Text across the figures reads “improv”. The image is coloured in various shades of orange.]

FLOP! An Improvised Musical Fiasco

by Ron Pederson & Alan Kliffer

directed by Alan Kliffer

starring Hannah Spear, Jan Caruana & Ron Pederson

A Klif Entertainment production

The playwright quit, there’s no sheet music, the choreographer was cancelled and the director went into rehab. World-class performers scramble to create a miraculous new musical in this highwire act of skill, comedy, and desperation.

Relaxed Performance Tuesday, Dec 17th, 8 pm

Learn more about the show here.

 

[Image description: An ink drawing of a female figure with bangs and shoulder-length hair. She wears a backpack with rolls strapped to her back. Her body is tattooed with images including a sun and moon, heart, house, a boy, as well as text including words such as love, courage, adventure, motherhood, and Covid19. The image is coloured in various shades of purple.]

Why It’s imPossible
A play about parenting in precarious times

co-created by Sophia Fabiilli & Zoë Sweet

by Sophia Fabiilli

directed by Evalyn Parry

starring Zoë Sweet

A SweetnFab Collective production

Beth is struggling to stay afloat as a single parent, a working professional, and the 45-year-old resident of her mother’s basement. As her child explores their gender, Beth confronts her idea of what a ‘good mom’ looks like, balancing the urge to protect her child with the desire to support her kid as their authentic self. Why It’s imPossible explores the complex relationship between mother and child, life’s transitions, and parenting in precarious times.

Relaxed Performance Tuesday, Jan 28th at 8 pm.

Learn more about the show here.

 

[Image description: An ink drawing in which four people, bodies not shown, are holding hands in a prayer circle. Their sleeves are patterned intricately with graphic designs of circles and waves inspired by Kuba and Super Wax Cloth. In the centre of the image is the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Floating between the hands are images such as a church, cellphone, bible, lipstick, devil, and plane. The image is coloured in various shades of blue.]

Vierge

by Rachel Mutombo

directed by Dian Marie Bridge

a GCTC co-production with Black Theatre Workshop

Sixteen-year-old Divine’s only real friend is Jesus. When her family joins a new church she learns that the world around her is not as it seems. With heart and humour, Vierge follows four Congolese-Canadian girls as they navigate Christianity, virginity, and teenage hormones.

Relaxed Performance Tuesday, Mar 25th, 8 pm

Learn more about the show here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

[Image Description: Six icons read: Audience Lights on Low, Masks Required, Reduced Seating Capacity, Pick-Your-Price $5 ticket option, Access Guide (sent before the performance) and a Preshow Content Note Speech.]

 

What can I do at a Relaxed Performance? 

A relaxed performance is for anyone who wants to enjoy live performance but may not feel comfortable in a traditional theatre environment. These performances relax typical theatre rules like using your phone or talking during the show. I can listen to my body’s needs. Such as:

Stim Stretch
Come and Go as I need Use Fidgets
Talk Quietly to my Seatmate Use ear Defenders or Sunglasses
Use my Phone or Tablet Quietly Use the Chill Out Room
 

How do I purchase the $5 tickets for the Relaxed Performance?

To book a $5 ticket, please type in the Promo code RP5 after putting your tickets in the basket. Here are the step-by-step directions:

Relaxed Performance discount code

  • Select your seat(s) and go to checkout. The tickets will be first listed at the regular price.

  • In the ‘apply code box’, type RP5. This will discount the tickets to $5. The summary screen will show you that you have used the promotion code RP5 and applied it to the ticket(s). Like the picture to the right. 

  • Or you can call and book your tickets over the phone with the box office. Let them know you are taking advantage of the Pick-Your-Price option for $5 on the Relaxed Performance night.

 

What is the Chill Out Room? 

Chill out Room photo

[Image Description: A room with blue soft walls, a blue couch, side table, chair, ottoman and yoga mats. Soft lamp lighting illuminates the space.]

The Chill Out Room is a soft space where you can feel what you need to feel, zone out, shift your focus etc. It is available while you are at GCTC when you see a show or buy a ticket. In this room, do what you need to do to adjust or soften your sensory experience. Examples of what you can do in the chill out room are: read, stim, stretch, listen to music, dance, yoga, talk, cry, laugh, lay down or sit. 

Where is the Chill Out Room? 

GCTC has a permanent Chill Out Room located in the first-floor lobby next to the washrooms. This is available whenever the lobby is open. For opening hours go to our “visit us” page here.

 

What is an Access Guide?

GCTC’s access guides are digital Google documents. They are sent before the performance to give you more information about what to expect. This includes information about how to get to the theatre, what is available in the lobby, what the show is about (plot), the characters in the show, and detailed content notes. These content notes tell you about sensory elements like lights, sounds, video/projections, and show content. You can choose to read as much of the guide as you want to before coming to the show. 

Tickets

Subscribe with us

There are many benefits to becoming a GCTC subscriber including the most economical pricing, free and flexible ticket exchanges, discounts at local restaurants, and first access to additional events. Learn more about how to subscribe by following the button below.

Single Tickets

You can still attend relaxed performances without subscribing. By visiting the individual show pages you can purchase your tickets through the portal by selecting the appropriate date. These tickets will be on sale starting August 8th.