Some information about your experience at Speed is Emotional

Welcome to Speed is Emotional. Every show is a relaxed performance. This means we are relaxing some of the 'rules' around going to the theatre, so more people can enjoy the show.

Ever felt like a 'traditional' theatre trip comes with some unspoken rules? You know, the ones about staying super still in the dark, keeping quiet, and maybe getting a few too many surprises without much wiggle room? We get it.

A relaxed performance is a less formal theatre environment that allows breaks and movement, offers preparation resources, and creates a relaxing, flexible atmosphere, without changing the show itself.

Who is a relaxed performance for? They're for everyone, but specifically designed to be more comfortable for those from the autistic and neurodivergent communities, anyone with learning, communication, or movement differences, folks who are sensitive to sensory stuff, those who experience anxiety, or really anyone who just feels like a less formal theatre setting would be more their cup of tea. It's about making theatre welcoming for everyone.

Here's some more information about attending Speed is Emotional at Q Theatre:

Before the show
We will have a quiet space in the upstairs foyer outside the Loft theatre where you can wait before the theatre doors open. Loft is located on Level 2 of the Q Theatre building and can be accessed by using the internal stairs, elevator, or by taking the outside stairs to the left of the main entrance on Queen Street.

You can also choose to wait downstairs in the bar, where noise is welcomed. You can approach the Q Theatre staff to direct you to quiet areas and assist with any other needs. You can find them beside the box office and at the theatre doors before and after the show, to answer questions and provide directions as needed.

There will be announcements over the foyer speakers telling you when the doors to the theatre have opened.

Please bring your quiet fidget toys, weighted blankets, sunnies, earmuffs or any other comfort tools that you need.

During the show
At the start of the performance Jo will inform the audience of the relaxed nature of the show:

Feel free to leave and feel free to return. There will be spare seats available on the aisle beside the main doors to the Loft theatre, if you need to move during the performance. These are easy to access when reentering the theatre.

We invite you to make noises, clap, click or tic as you need to.

Trigger warning: we will talk about mental distress. But there will also be jokes. Because jokes are a defence against pain.

After the show
At the end of the performance, Jo will invite the audience on stage to decompress, talk to the cast, and sing a karaoke song if you choose. This will last approximately 20 minutes after the end of the performance. You are also welcome to leave the theatre as soon as the performance ends.

Set, lighting and sound
The set is a large piece of fabric that shifts into different shapes during the performance, it remains on stage and will not come across, or touch, the audience.

The audience lights will not fade to complete darkness; they will remain slightly dim throughout the entire performance. There are many different lighting states, none are directly in the eyes of the audience and the states include neon colours and changes in lighting that make the fabric set look like different environments.

There are a few moments in the show where there will be loud bangs and snippets of music played loudly. Throughout the show, the performers will play instruments (including drums) and sing into microphones.

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Q THEATRE ACCESSIBILITY

Click here for more information on getting to Q theatre and accessibility

We have wheelchair-accessible seats and free companion tickets available. To book these, please contact the Q Theatre Box Office either:

- Call on (09) 309 9771
- Email access@qtheatre.co.nz

We do not have NZSL or Audio-Described performances available for this production. Click here to express your interest in attending an NZSL or Audio-Described performance

For more information about the show, please email Nahyeon Lee from Silo Theatre at nahyeon@silotheatre.co.nz