Designing an Inclusive Theatre Environment: Co-creating a Relaxed Performance Within the Segal Centre for Performing Arts in Montreal

This study focusses on the co-creation of a ‘relaxed performance’ in a performing arts center in Canada, through an approach that provides strategies for an inclusive theater environment, with stakeholder participation both during the research and from within the theatre itself. The research study is guided by a participatory action research approach with four phases. With the involvement of all partners over the different phases, emergent results include suggestions for this center for the performing arts, such as the adaptation of the physical environment, safety considerations, the development of appropriate technological tools and the integration of linguistical accessible supports to ensure the inclusion of citizens of all ages, regardless of ability/disability. This study highlights the importance of adapting and designing a theater environment based on the specific needs of people with disabilities, and to enhance participation of the entire audience in theatre performances.