Sensory-Friendly Performance
“Because the house lights were at half, and because we were seated in the front rows, we had a beautiful view of the audience as we turned around to see the animals enter. And what we saw was a theater filled with wonder. We saw children and people who were in awe of the spectacle, and we saw parents and grandparents and volunteers and friends who were in tears. I think about it now and it still brings me to tears. It’s one of the loveliest things I’ve ever seen in a theater.”
Learn more about this amazing day from Minnesota Theater Love blog.
We were so honored to present the first sensory-friendly performance of a Broadway touring show in Minnesota. Thank you to all the families, specialists, volunteers and performers who made it such an amazing day!
Special thanks to Fraser – Minnesota and Disney’s The Lion King – Musical for making this very special performance possible.
Photos from the show:
More about the show
This special show provided families the opportunity to enjoy live theatre in a welcoming and supportive environment — something that is often out of reach, as performance spaces may not typically offer a comfortable space for them.
An advisory committee of local Minnesota educators, therapists and community experts worked with Disney and the Trust to bring this performance to life. Special thanks to our community partners: Fraser, AuSM, and Minnesota Autism Center.
Special accommodations made at this performance included:
- Lower sound levels, especially for startling or loud sounds
- House lights on at a low level throughout the performance
- Standing and movement accommodated in spaces throughout the theater
- Designated quiet areas throughout the theater
- Trained volunteers and professionals on hand during the entire performance
- Sensory supports (fidgets, earplugs, noise cancelling ear-muffs) available in the lobby before the show
- Online and printed guidance materials about the show experience
- Audio Description will be available for this performance
Audience members were welcome to bring their own manipulatives (e.g., blocks), seat cushions, comfort objects and extra support items to the show.
Resources and Guidance:
The social narrative is a pre-show resource to help prepare individuals and families for the experience of seeing a live stage performance. Viewable from any device, the social narrative is also downloadable and printable.
The map provides a floor-by-floor snapshot of all the resources available — including restrooms, first aid and quiet areas — in the Orpheum Theatre at the sensory-friendly performance. Viewable from any device, the map is also downloadable and printable.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
