Bright lights, loud noises and surprising elements that come with live theater shows often create an overwhelming setting for people with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, developmental disabilities or other sensory-sensitive conditions.
The Wharton Center for Performing Arts now offers sensory-friendly performances as part of a community-based initiative to provide a comfortable environment for those with sensory, social and learning disabilities.
“We specifically gear the performances to be welcoming and non-judgmental,” said Diane Willcox, director of marketing and communications for the Wharton Center. “If you are someone who needs to bounce up and down in order to focus on a performance, you can do that and no one’s even going to think twice. If you need to clap your hands in order to feel comfortable to enjoy the performance, you can also do that.”
The Wharton Center offers a myriad of accommodations during its sensory-friendly shows. These accommodations include but are not limited to: lower sound and light levels, sensory supports such as fidget toys and earplugs, Autism specialists and trained volunteers on hand.
In addition, the Wharton Center recognizes the importance of flexibility for these families and offers a full refund, available up to 10 working days after the performance, if patrons cannot attend after purchasing their tickets.
For upcoming sensory-friendly performance shows such as Disney’s “The Lion King,” premiering July 21, resources given by the Wharton Center, such as character cards, help erase the element of surprise.
“Character cards are very important for ‘The Lion King’ because many folks are familiar with the movie, but they don’t know what those characters are going to look like on stage,” Willcox said. “So, we provide a card to say, ‘Here’s what Simba looked like in the movie, here’s what Simba will look like on stage.’”
Cathy Blatnik’s son, Dominic Blatnik, had never attended a show at the Wharton Center prior to its addition of sensory-friendly performances. Blatnik was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and later was diagnosed with ADHD at three years old.
“The Cat in the Hat” and “Clementine” were the first shows Blatnik and her son attended at the Wharton Center. She said the “The Lion King” will be the first live show her son, daughter and husband will be able to attend together – prior to the addition of sensory-friendly shows, attending a live show was not an option for Dominic.
“As an Autism parent, you feel very isolated,” said Blatnik. “But sensory-friendly performances give all people the opportunity to come and it’s just fabulous.”
A number of organizations in Lansing and East Lansing have used the sensory-friendly performance shows to provide services specifically for people with ASD and their families, according to Willcox.
“The greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau has put together a set of trainings for hotel front line people so they can understand what the needs of these families are,” said Willcox. “What this is doing is creating a welcoming environment for our entire community.”
These organizations have collaborated to create a “Lansing Welcome Weekend” on the weekend of July 21, complementing the premiere of the sensory-friendly performance of the “The Lion King.” This allows families who have travelled notable distances to see the show to enjoy a variety of activities catered to people with ASD and their families.
“We want to make sure that people feel safe and comfortable in this environment,” Willcox said.
To find a full list of upcoming sensory-friendly performances at the Wharton Center, visit here.