Audience-thrilling. Autism-friendly.
TDF Autism Friendly Performances present Broadway musicals and plays in a friendly, supportive environment for children and adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues and their families and friends.
TDF Autism Friendly Performances present Broadway musicals and plays in a friendly, supportive environment for children and adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues and their families and friends. Since 2011, TDF has presented more than 18 autism-friendly shows on Broadway, starting with Disney's landmark musical The Lion King.
Some of the many autism-friendly performances on Broadway since then include Mary Poppins, Spider-Man, Wicked, Matilda, The Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin and more. TDF's autism-friendly performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was the first autism-friendly performance of a non-musical in Broadway history.
TDF's 2022-2023 Autism Friendly Performances Season
The Lion King
Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 1 p.m.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 1 p.m.
Wicked
Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Six
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 1 p.m.
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 to the production are made, including reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe and spot lights that shine into the audience. House lights are faintly dimmed but remain on. TDF works closely with professionals in the field and with consultants on the autism spectrum to make each show accessible and enjoyable for everyone. TDF creates resources for each production that help prepare audience members for a day at the theatre. A team of volunteers and autism specialists are available throughout the theatre. Break areas are available to anyone who may need to leave their seats during the performance.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
TDF wishes to thank the following institutions for their support of Autism Friendly Performances:
The FAR Fund
The Taft Foundation
If you too would like to support the work of the Autism Friendly Performances, please make a donation.
Our volunteers are an integral part of making the magic happen
Fill out this brief formOur social story has handy tips for dealing with loud noises at the theatre.
Read our tipsAutism Friendly Performances have quiet areas if you're feeling overwhelmed
Find out moreSeeing a show might involve taking a car, a taxi or the train. Moving through Times Square and inside the theatre might involve dealing with crowds. Check out our social stories to prepare for the journey ahead.
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