Musical theater is for everyone

relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026 © Stefanie J. Steindl

Inclusive musical experience: ‘relaxed performance’ at THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

The cultural education department of the musical theatre division of the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien provides innovative ideas for access to and participation in cultural events through a diverse programme. This includes, among other things, the third “relaxed performance”, which was received with great interest last Sunday.

Third inclusive musical experience “relaxed performance” at the VBW

On 15 March 2026, the special “relaxed performance” format took place once again at the Raimund Theatre in cooperation with the Austrian Autism Association, marking the third time the VBW has taken an important step towards inclusion in its musical theatre division and the second time for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

The performance, which was staged with dimmed lighting, reduced volume and without loud noises or pyrotechnic effects, was greeted with a standing ovation.  A “relaxed performance” is an adapted performance for people with disabilities, people with learning difficulties and neurodivergent people (including those with autism and ADHD), but it is open to everyone. Sensory stimuli, such as loud noises and intense lighting effects, are reduced or adapted. Furthermore, the auditorium remains dimly lit throughout the performance, and it is possible to leave and return to the auditorium at any time. Simple orientation aids, a special introduction before the performance and a guide in plain language help prepare audiences for the musical experience.

The VBW’s ‘relaxed performance’ has been received with great interest since the first event in 2024. The next performance of this kind is planned for the coming 2026/2027 season.

relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026

  • relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026

    relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026 © Stefanie J. Steindl

    Close‑up of a wooden table with several packaged earplugs, three colorful fidget spinners, and a program booklet for the musical “The Phantom of the Opera.”

  • relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026

    relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026 © Stefanie J. Steindl

    An assistance dog wearing a yellow identification vest sits on red carpet flooring in a theatre foyer. In the background, a person in a wheelchair is visible along with other visitors.

  • relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026

    relaxed performance DAS PHANTOM DER OPER 2026 © Stefanie J. Steindl

    An assistance dog wearing a yellow identification vest stands inside a theatre auditorium next to a row of red seats. A person beside the dog holds its harness.

A wide range of workshops for children and adults are still on the programme for the musical education programme until the end of the season. At the end of March, the popular musical workshop, supported by Wiener Städtische Versicherung, will take place for the 13th time. Here, 100 school pupils will get a taste of life on stage with MARIA THERESIA – DAS MUSICAL, rehearse their own choreography and, with lighting, sound and the support of the lead actors, present it to an audience on the Ronacher rehearsal stage. Two major projects will follow in a similar format at two secondary schools, where pupils will rehearse a musical number from the show, perform it at their schools and then have the opportunity to experience the original production at the Ronacher. For the first time, the new “VBW Musical Workshops for Adults” – launched in response to high demand – will also give older generations a real taste of the stage, culminating in the participants taking centre stage at the Ronacher.

Junges Musical Dance Workshop © Stefanie J. Steindl

  • With their third ‘relaxed performance’, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien are once again demonstrating that musical theatre should be accessible to everyone – regardless of age, disability or prior experience. It is impressive to see how these inclusive performances break down barriers and enable cultural participation. Initiatives such as these underline Vienna’s commitment to ensuring that culture excludes no one.

    Barbara Novak, City Councilmember for Financ

  • "Relaxed performance" is an excellent example of how theater can be made accessible to everyone. At Wien Holding, we support such inclusive formats, which demonstrate that cultural outreach and participation go hand in hand. The enthusiastic response confirms that musical theater not only entertains but also brings people together and actively promotes inclusion.

    Oliver Stribl, Managing Director of Wien Holding

  • The VBW’s cultural outreach projects are very popular and play an important role in making theater more accessible. Through workshops for young people and adults, as well as our unique “relaxed performance” format, we aim to overcome initial reservations and open the door to musical theater for a wide audience.

    Franz Patay, CEO of Vereinigten Bühnen Wien

  • Musical theater should be a place where everyone feels included and welcome. With our “relaxed performance” initiative, we’re creating a setting that makes attending the theater a more relaxed experience and breaks down barriers. It’s part of our diverse outreach program, through which we aim to provide different ways to engage with musicals. The high demand and positive feedback encourage us to continue down this path.

    Christian Struppeck, Musical Director of the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien
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