Have you passed up family theater because your child has different sensory needs? No more! Dallas Children’s Theater is working to make theater accessible for children with developmental challenges and special needs.
Specifically designed for children with autism, Asperger’s, Down’s syndrome and other sensory processing disorders and special needs, local community members and two partner theaters with experience in developmental challenges are working with us to make Dallas Children’s Theater a safe and welcoming place for children with sensory differences and other disabilities.
On March 1, 2014 at 1:30 pm, we will offer our first sensory friendly production. We invite you to bring your whole family to see the play for only $5 per person. There will be some fun and engaging activities presented before the play, so plan to come as early as 12:30.
After January 30, there will be a “Social Story,” available for you to download from our website at www.dct.org/sensory. A Social Story is a pictorial guide with simple language explaining what children can expect when they come to the theater. Friendly, supportive staff and community volunteers will minimize stress and offer whatever help you may need to facilitate your theater experience.
General production adaptations we are planning so that the play is sensory friendly include leaving the house lights up a few levels higher than for a standard performance and reducing the sound level. We will also offer a “Quiet Room” for children who may need a break from what may be overwhelming sensory input for them.
Because we want to remove all of the barriers to these families getting a taste of such an experience, we are offering a “first show introductory special” ticket price of $5 per person. DCT’s regular prices range from $13-$28.
P.D. Eastman’s book, “Go, Dog. Go!” is a family favorite that uses single-syllable words in rhythmic repetition for beginning readers, and honors the simplicity of the world around us. The playwrights of the stage adaptation intended to celebrate and explore the few existing words and pictures in the same way that a child (and parent) can read through the book night after night and find something new and remarkable with every turn of the page. It’s a classic book turned into a unique stage adaptation filled with music, physical comedy and wondrously loopy anarchy. So, join the party – a big dog party! Guaranteed to be a hit for ages 4 and up.
Reservations for this show can be made by call 214-978-0110. The performance will take place at The Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman St., Dallas, 75231.
If you have questions, we are ready to take your call. If you would like to visit the theater in advance, please do. Please make a reservation today by calling 214-978-0110.
Dallas Children’s Theater is a participant in the Audience (R)Evolution Program, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the professional not-for-profit American theater.
Autism Speaks is also providing a grant to DCT so that it can document this year’s experience. Other local community partners include Autism Speaks, the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at UT Southwestern, University of North Texas Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and the Health Science Center and the Autism Center, Children’s Medical Center and the Dallas Museum of Art.
We truly look forward to having you as our guest at the theater.