In this episode of Theatrically Authentic, Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore what it actually means to be a neurodivergent performer — from auditions and rejection sensitivity to character building, hyperfocus, and the emotional intensity of stepping on stage.
Simon reflects on his experiences as an autistic actor working across theatre, film, and television, discussing how performance became a structured means of processing emotion, identity, and self-expression. Together, Sarah and Simon unpack the realities of audition culture, masking in rehearsal rooms, and the exhausting balance between artistic authenticity and professional survival.
Featuring discussions of performances in Oliver!, The Merchant of Venice, Masters of the Air, Romeo and Juliet, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, and immersive theatre experiences like Secret Cinema, this episode explores how neurodivergent minds approach storytelling differently, and why that perspective can create unforgettable performances.
📢 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.
🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com
🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com
","author_name":"Autistic Culture Podcast Network"}