PRODUCING: Autism-friendly performances

[dallas10086]

After the initial success of an autism-friendly performance of "The Lion King" sponsored by The Theatre Development Fund, there are plans for a repeat performance as well as doing the same for a performance of "Mary Poppins." Here's the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/07/autism-broadway-shows_n_1261372.html

I would like to propose a similar venture at my children's theatre, hopefully working hand-in-hand with an organization like Autism Speaks, to provide one performance per production for autistic children and their families. I feel if we can provide one performance per production for sign language interpreter, I think we can take it a step further and reach out to these families.

Has anyone else attempted this? Or attended a similar performance? Aside from Autism Speaks, does anyone know of good resources for information? I'd like to have a good idea just what would be involved before I begin drafting a proposal.

Edit to subject line-Rebbe

[Maribeth]

A number of years ago, I worked for a children's theatre company that did "Sensory-Friendly" performances of certain productions. The house lights stayed on (at a low level) during the show, and certain light and sound cues were altered to be less startling and/or loud.

If I remember correctly, they partnered with a local autism-friendly school and had a pretty good attendance for those performances (they were open to the public, similar to ASL-interpreted shows). One of the parents attending told me about a local movie theatre that did similar matinees.

The most important factor was a friendly, understanding atmosphere- everyone there (performers AND patrons) understood that some children might make noise or need to leave during the performance. Send me a PM if you want me to put you in touch with them.

[Maribeth]

I saw something online today that reminded me about this posting- it's about AMC Theatres doing autism-friendly performances. If you're still looking into this, you might look for a local chapter of the Autism Society.

[BlueRidgeSM]

As someone from the autism community, I'd steer you away from Autism Speaks and more towards something like the Autism Society of America (ASA).  There is some controversy within the community re: Autism Speaks because they operate on the assumption that autism is a disease and therefore can be cured.  Some people feel that way but many others do not, and prefer to work with other organizations because they feel strongly that those with ASD (autism spectrum disorders) are different, not diseased and argue that it cannot be cured.

[missliz]

Dallas, if you're interested, I can put you in touch with some folks who have guidelines etc for this. They're currently working with The Lion King to make some tour stops autism-friendly performances as well.

[dallas10086]

That would be great, missliz! I'm definitely open to more than one adviser on this one.

[missliz]

Perfect. PM me your email address.