Youth performers’ participation experiences in a sensory friendly theatre program

ABSTRACT Sensory friendly theatre programs aim to increase theatregoing access for the disability community by dismantling barriers in the social and sensory environments to create more inclusive theatre spaces. This qualitative study targeting youth performers’ experiences in sensory friendly theatre revealed four themes: enjoyable performer experiences, “sensory friendly” as a novel concept, sensory friendly performance as different but not lesser, and desire for expanded sensory friendly opportunities. Youth performers’ positive participation experiences align with those of parent and organizational stakeholders in existing literature. Findings support sensory friendly theatre’s value and inform future efforts to increase youth preparation for sensory friendly shows.