Welcoming and supportive
TDF Autism Friendly Performances present Broadway musicals and plays in a friendly, supportive environment for children and adults who are diagnosed with autism or other sensitivity issues along with their families and friends.
TDF Autism Friendly Performances launched in 2011 with a performance of Disney’s beloved The Lion King on Broadway. Since then, we have presented dozens of Autism Friendly Performances, including Broadway's & Juliet, Aladdin, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®, Hadestown, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Kinky Boots, MJ The Musical, New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, SIX, Wicked and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the first autism-friendly performance of a non-musical in Broadway history.
Stay tuned for an announcement in mid-July!
We can make no assurances that these performances will be suitable for everyone with autism. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for their child’s viewing and engagement with these performances.
What makes a performance autism friendly?
Slight adjustments are made to the production, including the reduction of jarring sounds and strobe or spotlights that shine into the audience. House lights are dimmed but remain on. TDF works closely with professionals in the field as well as consultants with autism to make each show accessible and enjoyable for everyone. TDF creates resources such as Event Narratives and Character Guides that help prepare audience members for the show. On the day of the performance, volunteers and autism specialists are available throughout the theatre. Break areas are open to anyone who needs to leave the theatre during the performance.
If you would like to support the work of TDF Autism Friendly Performances, please make a donation.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council's Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions.
TDF wishes to thank the following institutions for their support of Autism Friendly Performances:
The FAR Fund
The Taft Foundation
NEXT for AUTISM
RBC Foundation USA
Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation
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