Few arts organisations offer concerts for families; accordingly, children, particularly those on the autistic spectrum, miss out on the opportunity to experience the enjoyment of a live orchestra. OOTS is delighted to offer annual Family Concerts as part of their residencies at the Courtyard, Hereford and at the Play House, Stratford upon Avon.
RELAXED CONCERTS
Since 2015, OOTS has worked in partnership with Town Hall Birmingham, Autism West Midlands, Chelmsford Theatre and Orchestras Live with ventriloquist James Rowney to stage ‘Relaxed Concerts’ aimed at those with autism.
For most young children, a trip to see a show or a concert would be an exciting adventure but for children with Autism it can be sensory overload; many aspects of a production can cause difficulties such as busy foyers, unexpected music, lights going up and down and applause. Even the interval can be confusing because it seems strange to leave the auditorium in the middle of an event. This means that many parents fear taking their children to see a performance; they worry about the negativity that may be directed at them from the audience or musicians, and they don’t want their children to have a stressful experience.
If you are interested in putting on a Relaxed Concert, please get in touch with our Director of Impact and Learning, Sue Pope at: education@orchestraoftheswan.org