WHAT MAKES THIS PERFORMANCE SENSORY FRIENDLY?
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Reduced sound levels, especially loud and surprising noises
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House lights will remaining half lit
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Relaxed house rules…freedom to get up and move around, use of electronic devices is permitted, and permission to talk freely during the performance
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Trained staff, ushers, and volunteers to assist patrons
PLAN YOUR SENSORY PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
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Run Time: Approximately 1 - 1.5 hours
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Theater lobby will open one hour prior to performance.
Sensory-friendly performances are thoughtfully crafted to provide a warm and inclusive environment, particularly suited for families with children on the autism spectrum or those with sensory sensitivities. These performances are also beneficial for individuals who would appreciate a more relaxed setting.
Planning comfortable theater experiences for parents of children with autism can be a challenging task. While accessibility measures like wheelchair-friendly accommodations and adaptations for individuals with visual impairments are well-known to seasoned theatergoers, modifications to cater to those with autism or other disabilities that result in sensory sensitivities have gained more attention in recent times.
Individuals on the autism spectrum can exhibit varying degrees of sensitivity to sensory stimuli, including sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. According to the National Autistic Society, excessive stimulation may lead to a state of overwhelm commonly referred to as a "meltdown." At Ballet North Texas, our aim is to create an enjoyable experience for patrons on the autism spectrum by implementing simple adjustments. These may include providing advance information about the performance, minimizing sensory stimuli, and adopting a more relaxed approach to certain expectations or rules, such as allowing verbal communication during the show or accommodating the need to move around.
Our goal is to ensure that individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities can fully engage with the performance, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the art of ballet.
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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 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 60 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
