On October 2, 2011, Theatre Development Fund (TDF) launched a new program, Autism Theatre Initiative, to make theatre accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as their families. 

The program, which is a part of TDF's Accessibility Programs (TAP), presented the first autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show with Disney's landmark musical THE LION KING on Sunday, October 2, 2011. This performance was so successful that TDF's Autism Theatre Initiative presented a second autism-friendly performance on Broadway at Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's production of  MARY POPPINS on April 29, 2012. 

The shows are 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 (ASD) or other sensitivity issues.  Slight adjustments to the production included reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience.  In the theatre lobby there were staffed quiet areas and an activity area for those who needed to leave their seats during the performance.

Downloadable social stories (in Word format), with pictures of the theatres and productions, were available several months in advance of the performances. These are designed to personalize the experience for each attendee with ASD. Tickets were offered through TDF at affordable prices, the top price being $79.00.

The next TDF Autisim Theatre Initiative event will be a second autism-friendly performance of Disney's THE LION KING on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 1pm. Tickets to this performance will go on sale in late June. Make sure you "sign up for info on future performances" (link on the right) to be notified exactly when tickets to this performance go on sale.

TDF wishes to acknowledge the following donors
for their generous support of the Autism Theatre Initiative:

The Joseph LeRoy and Ann C. Warner Fund, Inc.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area
Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation
Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC
autismshop.com 

If you would like to support the work of this new initiative, please click here to make a donation.