Relaxed Performance: Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny

What is a Relaxed Performance?

A relaxed performance is designed to create a welcoming and judgment-free environment where families and young people can be themselves and feel comfortable. This type of performance provides additional support to help all attendees feel at ease and caters to various sensory processing needs.

Who Can Attend a Relaxed Performance?

Everyone is welcome! No one in your group needs to have specific sensory needs to attend.

What Makes the Performance "Relaxed"?

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia has adapted this show to make it comfortable for families, providing gentle sensory elements throughout. There are no flashing or strobe lights, sudden loud noises, or abrupt volume changes. The house lights will stay dimly lit during the performance, and the show sticks closely to the original storybooks, with no added narration or dialogue—offering a familiar experience that can help reduce anxiety.

What If We Need a Break During the Performance?

You are welcome to enter and exit the space as needed. There will be a stream of the performance in the lobby complete with audio over the speakers for those who need to step out of the Theater for whatever reason.

What Should I Bring to the Performance?

Bring along anything that might help make your experience more comfortable, such as headphones, fidgets, ear plugs, or sunglasses. Water bottles are allowed in the theater, though snacks should be enjoyed in the lobby area.

What If Someone in My Party Talks, Vocalizes, or Makes Sounds?

This is a "non-shushing" performance, so vocalizations and participation are welcome! Performers are experienced with relaxed performances and are prepared for a range of audience responses. 

Will there be hearing enhancements and ear protection available? 

Yes! Stop at the Box Office or ask an usher for a hearing assistance headset or disposable ear protection.

Still have questions?

To make sure that your needs are met and you have the best experience possible, contact the Center before your visit at 231.439.2610 or info@greatlakescfa.org as we would be happy to make accommodations.

Enjoy the show with our Pay What You Can option, available for select seating sections! We believe the arts should be accessible to everyone, so we're offering flexible ticket pricing with a minimum contribution of $5 per ticket. Pay what feels right for you, and join us for an unforgettable experience!

Few writers have been as attuned to the concerns and emotions of childhood as Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952).  Brown, a former teacher, believed that very young children could be fascinated by the simple pleasures of the world around them.  Few had previously attempted to write specifically for children aged two to five, and Brown created some of the most enduring and beloved children’s books of all time as well as developed the concept of the first durable board book.

Clement Hurd (1908–1988) graduated from Yale University and studied painting in Paris in the 1930s with Fernand Léger and others.  His engaging semi-abstract style became world-famous with the publication of The Runaway Bunny in 1942 and Goodnight Moon in 1947 – collaborations with Brown that became two of the 20th Century’s best-known children’s books.