THE NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 17TH, 2022
2:00 PM
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
MAY 6TH, 2023
2:00PM
UPCOMING PERFOMANCES
WHAT MAKES THIS PERFORMANCE SENSORY FRIENDLY?
-
Reduced sound levels, especially loud and surprising noises
-
House lights will remaining half lit
-
Relaxed house rules…freedom to get up and move around, use of electronic devices is permitted, and permission to talk freely during the performance
-
Trained staff, ushers, and volunteers to assist patrons
PLAN YOUR SENSORY PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
-
Run Time: Approximately 1- 1.5 hours
-
Theater lobby will open one hour prior to performance.
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for families with children who are on the autism spectrum or may have sensory sensitivities. They are also for anyone who may benefit from being in a more relaxed environment.
For parents of children with autism, planning comfortable theatre experiences may be daunting. While many seasoned theatre goers are familiar with venue accessibility as far as wheelchair-friendly accommodations and adaptations for those with sight or vision impairments, modifications for visitors with autism or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities is a more recent development.
Those on the autism spectrum may exhibit both over- and under-sensitivity to sensory stimulation—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. According to the National Autistic Society, over stimulation could lead to a “meltdown”. Ballet North Texas’ goal is to create an enjoyable environment for patrons on the autism spectrum by implementing simple changes, such as preparing the individual for what to expect during a performance, reducing the amount of sensory stimulation, and relaxing certain expectations or rules, such as not talking during a performance, and having to stay seated.
Ballet North Texas' sensory friendly performances offer accommodations, striving to provide an environment that is nonjudgmental and supportive, coupled with performance modifications and changes in behavioral expectations. Patrons may freely respond to shows in their own way and without judgment, and are welcome to do things like sing or dance. A variety of other modifications help to provide a comfortable environment: pre-visit materials, omission of strobe lights and sudden loud noises, relaxed house rules, reduction of sound levels, and elimination of startling special effects. Specially trained staff, dancers, ushers, and volunteers are on-hand at these performances.
.jpg)
SENSORY FRIENDLY
Ballet North Texas’ performances are cherished experiences for many. But for some families whose loved ones have sensory sensitivities, this experience has seemed out of reach… until now.
Ballet North Texas is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Autism Speaks and other local organizations to present sensory-friendly performances for children, families and adults with sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum disorder, and other special needs. Appropriate changes have been made to our traditional performances to create a welcoming and safe space for all in attendance.
We need your help to make these productions an ultimate success. It is the goal of Ballet North Texas to find individuals, businesses, and corporate sponsors who want to join BNT in making this dream a very real possibility for the over ten thousand individuals and families in the North Texas area. Your donations towards these types of productions will help provide individuals free entry to the sensory sensitive productions, and convenient, free parking to the theatre.
Ballet North Texas’ Sensory Friendly Performances include a cast of over 30 dancers, including the professional company, costumes, full scale drops, and professionally designed lighting and sounds, adapted for the needs of the patrons.
You can make someone’s dream a reality!
Ballet North Texas is a 501(c) 3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
SENSORY FRIENDLY SPONSORSHIP