Written By John Morris, January 20, 2022
An inclusive atmosphere adapted to the needs of neurodiverse theatergoers is returning to New York City’s Broadway theaters after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. TDF, the not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, will present the first in-person autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show in almost 2 years, as it prepares to welcome patrons for a truly accessible season on Broadway.
The first such autism-friendly performance, COME FROM AWAY, will take place on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 1pm at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.
The season of autism-friendly performances will continue with Disney’s THE LION KING on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 1pm at the Minskoff Theatre, and Disney’s ALADDIN on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 1pm at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
For these autism-friendly performances, TDF purchases every seat in the theatre and makes tickets available, at discounted prices, exclusively to families, groups, schools, etc. whose members include individuals on the autism spectrum. Tickets to these adapted performances may be purchased only through TDF’s website.
What is an autism-friendly performance?
To create an autism-friendly setting, the shows are performed in a supportive environment for an audience of families (and friends) with children or adults diagnosed with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Slight adjustments to the selected productions include a reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience. In the theatre lobby, TDF provides staffed break areas, which can be used by anyone needing to leave their seats during the performance.
For more information about TDF and its mission to bring the power of the performing arts to everyone, visit the organization’s website.
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