Sensory Friendly Performances at Children’s Theater of Madison

“This experience has redefined what we can do as a family.”  According to Erica Berman, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Children’s Theater of Madison, this is the comment she hears most frequently at CTM’s sensory friendly performances.  

CTM has been offering sensory friendly performances in the Madison community since 2014.  “CTM’s mission is to create vibrant theater experiences that engage, educate and inspire young people and their communities,” says Ms. Berman.  “As part of that mission we want to make sure we’re reaching all the young people in the community, including children with neurological differences or disabilities.”

“We are deeply grateful for our partnerships with ACT and CI,” Ms. Berman adds.  “Their commitment, contributions and expertise are invaluable.”

Production staff and actors receive feedback from experts who support young people with disabilities on how to adjust lights and sounds to make the production sensory friendly.  “It’s still the same high-quality professional production,” according to Ms. Berman.  “The only difference is that some elements might be foreshadowed or toned down.”

One of the most popular parts of the sensory friendly performances are the sensory boxes in the lobby space provided by ACT.  These fun, creative boxes are designed with themes from the production in mind, so the experience of the show begins before families even enter the theater!

Families can also take advantage of resources before the day of the show.  CTM offers a social story, floor plans and seating chart, and a FAQ on their website.  Access for All Coordinator, Megwyn Sanders-Andrews, also works with families to individualize accommodations to help each family get the most from their CTM experience.

The lobby transforms into a very active space during sensory friendly performances!  In addition to the sensory boxes, the lobby has a trampoline, tunnels and other activities such as drama games and coloring books.  Complimentary gluten-free snacks and water are also available.  If a young person needs to take a break during the performance they can still watch the show on a monitor in the lobby.

CTM also has a quiet space available during sensory friendly performances.

Each family is invited to choose their own seats in the theater.  During the performance the house lights remain on,  experienced, trained volunteers are available and CTM offers sensory kits that contain noise dampening headphones, sunglasses and fidgets. 

After the performance audience members are invited to a meet and greet with the actors in the lobby.

“If a family was questioning whether or not to attend a sensory friendly performance,” says Ms. Berman, “I would encourage them to give it a try.    We understand that success looks different for every child.  Some children can be engaged throughout a performance, other young people may only be engaged for the opening number or may need to take breaks.  All are welcome.”

CTM’s next sensory friendly show is Willy Wonka on May 5^th at 11 AM in the Playhouse Theater at the Overture Center in Madison.  The sensory friendly performance is reserved exclusively for young people with special needs and their families. More information is available here:  https://ctmtheater.org/see-a-show/accessible-performances.  Tickets ($7) are available here:  https://ctmtheater.formstack.com/forms/sensoryfriendlyperformance.