Family Series and Sensory-Friendly Shows at Segerstrom Center

Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny are both classics that children grades Pre-K – 2 will enjoy. The hour long staged adaptation brings a fresh appreciation of the stories and images that have delighted children for generations. The 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, October 30 will be ASL interpreted.

Segerstrom Center’s 2016-2017 Family Series Schedule:

• 24th Street Theatre: Walking the Tightrope – October 15-16, 2016 (Sensory-friendly show available at 10 am)
• Mermaid Theatre: Goodnight Moon – October 30 & November 5, 2016
• Swazzle: The Little Prince – February 18-19, 2017 (Sensory-friendly show available at 10 am)
• Dallas Children’s Theater: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters – March 4-5, 2017
• Presentation House Theatre: Where the Wild Things Are – April 22-23, 2017
• Compagnia TPO: The Painted Garden – May 20-21, 2017 (Sensory-friendly show available at 10 am)

More info along with the 2016-17 Sensory Friendly schedule can be found at www.scfta.org/sensoryfriendly.

What are Sensory-Friendly Performances?

• Reduction of sound levels, particularly loud or startling sounds.
• Reduction of overwhelming stage lighting.
• Low ambient lighting in the theater throughout the performance so patrons are able to see should they need to move around or exit the theater.
• Preparatory materials called Pre-visit Guides will be provided to patrons so they will know what to expect from the performance. Pre-visit Guides include pictures with simple captions of the theater going experience.
• The use of mobile electronic devices are allowed during the performance if they are being used as a communication device.
• Designated break spaces will be available for those who might feel overwhelmed and need a break from the performance.

Pre-Visit Guides:

Prior to the performance, make sure to visit the Segerstrom Center for the Arts website www.scfta.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Sensory-Friendly/Pre-visit-Guides.aspx to download the Pre-visit guides. We have used the Pre-visit Guides to create social stories for our kids to prepare them for what to expect. Also, plan on arriving an hour early for free activities as well as the opportunity to give your special needs child the chance to explore the facility before the show.

“As a parent with kids who have special needs, the sensory-friendly performances are wonderful. It allows us to expose our children to the performing arts in a very welcoming and supportive environment. The trained staff and professionals on hand during the entire performance are so understanding.”
~Lisa Chinn, Let’s Play OC! Contributor