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News Archives

TDF's Autism Theater Initiative Continues with Additional Performances

TDF Autism Theater Initiative March 1, 2012 - TDF’s Autism Theater Initiative will present autism-friendly performances of Mary Poppins on April 29 and The Lion King on September 30. With these performances, Theatre Development Fund, the not-for-profit performing arts service organization whose mission includes making theatre accessible for all audiences, continues its efforts to present autism-friendly performances in New York City.

Last fall, Autism Theatre Initiative launched to make theatre accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families. They presented the first-ever autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show with The Lion King. That sold-out performance was successful in opening up the world of live theatre to this underserved community.

In order to be “autism-friendly,” the shows are being performed in a friendly, supportive environment for an audience of families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues. Slight adjustments to the productions include reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience. In the theatre lobby area there are designated quiet areas, staffed with autism experts, if anyone needs to leave their seats during the performance.

For these performances of Mary Poppins and The Lion King, TDF has purchased every seat in the theatre for sale at discount prices to families whose members include individuals on the autism spectrum. Tickets to these special performances are sold only through the TDF website at tdf.org/autism. The Mary Poppins performance is nearly sold out. Tickets to the September 30 performance of The Lion King will go on sale in late spring.

To be notified when performances go on sale, as well as any future autism-friendly performances, please sign up at tdf.org/autism.
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