For some of us, it can be easy to forget how intense a live theater experience can be. Especially for an individual with autism.
The Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre production of Shrek The Musical JR is just in time for April, Autism Awareness Month.
The show will have 4 performances, with one of those being a “Sensory Friendly Performance”.
What is a Sensory Friendly Performance?
First, the sensory friendly performance is a judgment free zone. So that patrons can freely respond to shows in their own way and without judgment, the production staff will relax house rules. Most of the Children’s Theatre shows encourage those attending to remain quiet and seated. However, during sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, April 13th at 2 pm, patrons are welcome to do things like sing or dance. Vocalizations or unique reactions to the shower will not just be tolerated but understood and appreciated. So, during the Saturday matinee, patrons are free to engage in self-expression, and to sing and clap along with the music.
Accommodations During the Saturday matinee
- Quiet areas available.
- Sensory corners in the upstairs area of the theater.
- Patrons may receive fidgets they can use to center, as well as headphones to block out unwanted sounds.
- House lights will remain up slightly during shows so that patrons can easily move around when needed.
- Strobe lights or sudden loud noises will be omitted from the show.
Modifications are generally environmental rather than artistic so that patrons can enjoy the same artistic product seen during other shows.
Although some patrons with sensory sensitivities may prefer to attend one of the conventional performances, those that would rather attend performances designed to meet particular needs are empowered to make that choice.
A Little More about the Show
"Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task – if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn't be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
With abundant opportunities for imaginative sets and costumes, and a host of over-the-top roles for an expandable cast, there's a part for everyone in this dazzling adventure story."
Show Times:
Friday, April 12th, 7 pm
Saturday, April 13th, 2 pm: Sensory Friendly Performance
Saturday, April 13th, 7 pm
Sunday, April 14th, 2 pm
Please note: The Sensory friendly performance is Saturday April 13, 2019, at 2pm.
Buy Your Tickets Here!
