Movement, sound encouraged at new 'relaxed' theatre performances

Movement, sound encouraged at new ‘relaxed’ theatre performances

Sam Aldham and Josie Wardrope will run a relaxed performance of The Farmy Farm at Bellarine Arts Centre during the term 1 school holidays. Photo: Supplied

FAMILY-FRIENDLY theatre will become more accessible with the introduction of relaxed performances at the Bellarine Arts Centre.

These performances create a calmer theatre experience by easing traditional etiquette. Sound levels are softened, lighting is gentler and audience members are free to move in and out of the auditorium.

Bellarine Arts Centre community asset committee chair, Cr Rowan Story, said these sessions were an exciting addition to the venue’s 2026 season.

He said offering relaxed performances was a natural extension of the centre’s commitment to ensuring the arts could be enjoyed by the whole community.

“Relaxed performances ensure that families who need a gentler environment can enjoy the magic of live theatre without barriers,” Cr Story said.

“By softening sound and lighting, creating space to move freely and offering a truly welcoming atmosphere, we’re opening the doors even wider to our community.”

Relaxed performances provide a supportive environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivities and anyone who prefers a quieter theatre experience.

They can also be an ideal way for families to introduce children to theatre, with movement, chatter and curiosity welcomed rather than discouraged.

The first relaxed performance, The Farmy Farm, will run during the term 1 school holidays. The family-friendly show will be the first in the centre’s 2026 program to offer both relaxed and traditional performances.

Cr Story said the initiative marked an important step for the venue.

“For 25 years this venue has been a place where people of all ages come together to learn, perform and celebrate the arts, and making our program more accessible is a natural extension of that commitment,” he said.

“It’s another example of how the Bellarine Arts Centre continues to evolve while staying true to its purpose as a creative space for everyone.”

For more information on relaxed performances or to view the 2026 program, head to the Bellarine Arts Centre website.