Sensory Theatre: How to Make Interactive, Inclusive, Immersive Theatre
for Diverse Audiences by a Founder of Oily Cart is an accessible
step-by-step guide to creating theatre for inclusive audiences, such as
young people on the autism spectrum or affected by other neuro-divergent
conditions and children under two.
Conventional theatre relies on seeing and hearing to involve its
audience; sensory theatre harnesses the power of five or more senses to
address its participants who have different ways of relating to the
world around them. This book is an insightful history of Oily Cart and
its pioneering development of work for the very young, including Baby
Theatre, and for neuro-divergent audiences including those on the autism
spectrum. It gives a clear introduction to the fundamental concepts of
this theatre, suggests a host of practical techniques drawn from over
forty years of experience, and describes some of Oily Cart's most
radical innovations, including theatre on trampolines, in hydrotherapy
pools, and with flying audiences in the company of aerial artists. The
book also includes copious photos from the Oily Cart's archives and
links to videos examples of the company's work. Readers will learn how
to:
- Research the intended audience while not being led astray by labels.
- Create a welcoming, immersive sensory space in classrooms, nurseries,
school halls, and playgrounds.
- Devise sensory stories that can be adapted to suit different
audiences.
- Recruit, audition, cast, and run rehearsals.
- Ensure that the production is truly sensory and interactive.
Written for Theatre for Young Audiences, Drama in Education, and
specialized Applied Theatre courses, as well as educators and theatre
practitioners interested in creating inclusive, interactive productions,
Sensory Theatre offers a goldmine of ideas for making work that
connects with audiences who can be the hardest to reach.
