Sensory Friendly Performances

Image from First Stage Sensory Friendly Performance

Next Steps Theater Academy

Explore our Theater Academy classes for young people on the autism spectrum or other developmental differences.
Sensory Friendly Kits

To accommodate our patrons on the autism spectrum or with other sensory, social, or cognitive disabilities, we have limited number of sensory friendly kits available for use during all performances. These kits contain a social story, a fidget toy, and noise-cancelling earmuffs. Please see the House Manager at the theater to use one of these kits.

Sensory Friendly Performances

Enjoy a performance where families with children who need sensory accommodations can share the experience of seeing family-friendly theater.

These performances feature a welcoming environment including lower sound, lights up, and available quiet areas staffed by educators experienced with the care of students with autism and other developmental differences.

Sensory Friendly performance accommodations include:

Smaller audience size
Reduction of loud or jarring sounds
Reductions in flashing or strobe lights
Modification of the house lights during the performance
Accommodated house rules: audience members are free to talk or move during the show.
An opportunity to see the actors in costume prior to the performance.
Quiet areas available, staffed by educators experienced with the care of students on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities.
Noise-cancelling headphones available for use during the performance, if needed.
Social stories that outline the experience at the theater available; show-specific social stories created closer to the performance date.
TV monitors available in the Todd Wehr Theater lobby from which to view the performance, should an audience member need to leave the theater during the performance.
Money back guarantee: If you realize before the performance that a trip to the theater will not be ideal for your family on that day, we will offer a ticket exchange to another performance of your choice or a refund of your ticket purchase.

Please review our COVID-19 Safety Protocols as you plan your return to live theater performances. Tickets for our 2021/22 Sensory Friendly Performances are on sale October 4, 2021.