Abstract

Overview
In this chapter, I will explore the connection between autistic theatre performers and the Double Empathy Problem (Milton, 2012). The focus is on interpersonal disparities that could be experienced by autistic performers. This will include those who are new to performance and or performing and those who have experienced interpersonal disparities within their career (such as actors, dancers, clowns, improvisers, stand-up comedians, etc.). Moreover, I will discuss non-autistic performers as well as autistic experiences of theatre, and, at times, specifically improv comedy/theatre. There are various facets that are inclusive of improv comedy or theatre, which are of interest in relation to interpersonal disparity or the Double Empathy Problem. It is necessary to highlight performers and neurodiversity; arts as a profession and a hobby; and improv and theatre as social arts. Additionally, imagined and perceived space are crucial to understanding the experiences of theatre makers and performers, and how they are related to autistic people. A brief discussion of social masking will also be included. Consequently, the Double Empathy Problem is a factor that identifies the natural dispositional diversity existent in theatre and the non-fictitious world.