by Tim Webb (Author)
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.
