The Sense-Ability Ensemble’s Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences that are Neurodiverse

The Sense-Ability Ensemble’s Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences That Are Neurodiverse is a practical handbook that explores how to create theatre for audiences that are neurodiverse.

This book explores the journey of the Sense-Ability Ensemble in its quest to create theatre from the ground up for audiences that are neurodiverse. It demonstrates how to embark on this work and move from a sensory friendly model that adapts work to make it inclusive, to designing work that is created with this specific audience in mind. This is accomplished through highlighting recommended practices such as using live music, puppetry, one-on-one audience member/actor interaction, exploring design considerations, sensory engagement, length, actor/staff training, non-linear storytelling, the use of social narratives, and partnering with special education and occupational therapy professionals. It also offers practical suggestions for touring this theatre model, providing sample forms and methods of communication.

Part case study, part how-to guide, this book will be of interest to theatre educators, practitioners, and students enrolled in courses on Children’s Theatre, Devising, Applied Theatre, Theatre for Young Audiences, and Drama in Education.