With the mission of inspiring young people to creative and productive lives through the art of the theater, DCT is now proud to be able to create a positive, fun atmosphere for families with sensory friendly needs. A child with autism or some other sensory challenge who loves theater and the arts will be excited about this new program at DCT and, hopefully, with the transformational experience of theater, will be inspired to creatively contribute to the world and their community in their own way.
Performances
We are so pleased to be able to offer you these specially-adapted plays for the enjoyment of those with sensory needs. Throughout the course of the year, Dallas Children's Theater will present a variety of plays from which you can choose. Some stories, especially fairy tales, may be disturbing to some children, for example, the villain or conflict in the story. If you desire more specific detail about how the story is presented, don't hesitate to call us.
Next Sensory-Friendly Performance Day Schedule
MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Optional pre-show activities such as facepainting, clown performances, music therapy and others.
Participate at whatever level is best for your family
1:00pm Doors to the theater are opened
1:30pm Show begins
(There WILL NOT be an intermission for this production.)
MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY
June 27, 2020 at 1:30 PM - Are you ready for some football?! Well...don't look to the Horace B. Smedley Tornadoes for a win because they've never even scored a single point! With an unfocused team that won't change their attitudes, Coach Armstrong goes crazy. So, Miss Nelson, the school's favorite teacher, calls in a trusted, but highly feared reinforcement in this zany musical spectacular. The bold and intimidating Coach Viola Swamp whips the Tornadoes into shape just in time for the big rivalry game. Ready. Set. Hut!
Recommended for ages 5 and up
Sensory Show Adaptations
General production adaptations include leaving the house lights up a few levels higher than for a standard performance and reducing the sound level. We also offer a "Quiet Room" for children who need a break.
There will be some fun and engaging activities presented before the play, so plan to come as early as one hour before the show.
To Purchase Tickets
DCT wants to make sure families have no barriers that would prevent them from at least sampling these great opportunities created especially for them! Tickets are $5 per person. Regular DCT show prices range from $15 to $30.
To purchase tickets, please call the DCT Box Office at 214-740-0051. Seating for the sensory-friendly performance will be general admission. If someone in your group needs wheelchair accessible seating, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance so that we can ensure your time here at DCT is organized and well spent.
Family Resources
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! SOCIAL STORY
A pictorial guide with simple language explaining what can be expected when visiting the theater.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! PARENT TIPSHEET
Specific details about the production.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! SHOW SYNOPSIS
A complete overview of what happens in the play.
Want to arrange a pre-visit to the theater or have additional questions? Contact Gina Waits at: 214-978-0110 or gina.waits@dct.org
In 2014, Dallas Children's Theater was honored to be a participant in the Audience (R)Evolution Program, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the professional not-for-profit American theater. Autism Speaks provided a grant to DCT to document our pilot year of sensory-friendly performances [Download report here]. Local partners for this initiative included Autism Speaks, the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at UT Southwestern, University of North Texas Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and the Health Science Center and the Autism Center, Children's Medical Center and the Dallas Museum of Art. As a result of the first-year results, we were further honored with a three-year grant from The Crystal Charity Ball to continue this work!
DCT is making an impact on families with special needs! Through three performances, here were the amazing cumulative sensory-friendly performance measurements and results:
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