ADAPTIVE THEATER

        Adaptive Theater is a style of theater meant to account for everyone’s specific needs and abilities and to make it an inclusive environment. This includes modifying different staging elements to help actors, and technicians be able to execute their role more comfortable and efficiently. Often these actors and technicians require different physical sensory cognitive or emotional modifications. These modifications include altering scenes and having more improv based workshops to have the students explore more about who they are as actors. For technicians, it is about having double safety regulations and modifying the set pieces or costume pieces for them to make designing more comfortable. 

         To accomplish this, my approach is to lead with patience. Having frequent breaks for the students and clarifying any unanswered question so that the students can understand the schedule. I would also have written and audible instructions on hand for the students who are visual or audible learners. Making a routine and schedule of what we are going to accomplish and achieve that day I believe will be beneficial in the students confidence and their growth as future actors or technicians. 

          For performances, I would dim the house lights a little bit instead of having them completely off. I would also encourage the actors and audience that the performance is supposed to be a fun experience for everyone and it is nothing to fear or worry about. For this specific example, I would also want to implement a buddy system with the students so that they can help encourage and uplift each other! 

          I am a very big advocate of Adaptive Theater! Currently, my little brother is in an adaptive theater class and loves it! His peer buddy helps him with performing and most importantly, having fun! I want to encourage others the way other theater performers and technicians did for my brother.