# Autistic Audience Operas The Victorian Opera Does Performances Catered to Autistic Children By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-07-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victorian-opera References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/australia-opera-designed-kids-autism/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152325526789219.1073741830.127956549218&type=3) In Melbourne, the Victorian Opera is doing a production of Hansel and Gretel that caters specifically for an audience of autistic children. Developed in association with the [Arts Centre Melbourne and Arts Access Victoria](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-is-me-this-is-us), the program takes the special needs of autistic kids into account. Experiencing social situations can be difficult for those with autism, so these [Victorian Opera performances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disability-inclusions) were devised to address the issue some have with [sensitivities to loud noises and darkness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/columbus-zoo). This also applies to people with Down Syndrome. With dimmed lights rather than darkness and low sound levels, tickets are also only sold to two-third capacity so audience members have more personal space and move about the auditorium if they wish. A narrator is also present to walk them through the story, while makeup-free actors introduce themselves before the play begins. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Live Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/livearts) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Autism-friendly Performances:** The rise of autism-friendly productions in the performing arts industry presents opportunities for innovation in accessibility and inclusivity. - **Sensory-friendly Events:** The trend towards sensory-friendly events creates opportunities for businesses to implement accommodations for individuals with sensory processing needs. - **Narration and Audio Description Services:** The use of narration and audio description services in live entertainment allows for more accessible and engaging experiences for individuals with disabilities. ### Who This Affects Most - **Performing Arts:** The performing arts industry can benefit from adopting inclusive practices for audience members, particularly for those with disabilities. - **Event Planning:** Event planning companies can differentiate themselves by offering sensory-friendly event services for individuals with disabilities and sensory processing needs. - **Technology:** Developing technology to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in the entertainment industry can create opportunities for innovation and growth. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inclusive Autism-Focused Entertainment Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portaventura-world.md) - [Collaborative Festival Accessibility Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edinburgh-fringe-festival.md) - [Performing Arts Subtitle Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subtitle-system.md) - [Theatre-Focused Audio Accessibility Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audio-accessibility-system.md) - [Inclusive Fashion Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autistic-barbie.md) - [Grocery Store Quiet Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiet-hour-initiative.md) - [ADHD-Friendly Movie Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinema-for-adhd.md) - [Avant-Garde Theatrical Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avantgarde-theatrical-experience.md) - [Sensory Accessibility Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lush-cosmetics-partners.md)