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.

Next Sensory-Friendly Event

DCT presents...CIRCO METROPOLIS – On Sale Now

September 25, 2021 at 1:30 PM – Oh, how we've missed you! So, DCT has pulled out all the stops for our long-awaited reopening with an interactive and fun event curated by those fabulously festive clowns, Slappy and Monday, and a host of their friends. Come witness incredible performances including spectacular juggling, tap dance, high-energy drumming, animated storytelling, and of course...hilarious clowning! No matter your age, there'll be something to put a smile on your face. Return to the incredible world of live performance with your DCT family! We can't wait to see you!
Recommended for ages 5 and up

PADDINGTON SAVES CHRISTMAS – On Sale October 4th

December 4, 2021 at 1:30 PM - It's holiday time in the Brown household and Paddington – the famous, accident-prone bear – is here to save the day! When he and the Brown's housekeeper, Mrs. Bird, run out of sugar for the seasonal marmalade jam they are preparing, Paddington heads next door to borrow some from Mr. Curry. Unfortunately, the usually grumpy Mr. Curry is even more short tempered than normal as he prepares for a visit from his great aunt who is a stickler for tidiness. Paddington, feeling sorry for Mr. Curry, volunteers to help him with his chores. But Paddington's good intentions end up leading to chaos, as one by one, each of his tasks take on an unexpected outcome! Will Paddington be able to fix everything in time for everyone to properly celebrate the holidays? Find out in this fun-filled holiday comedy!
Recommended for ages 4 and up

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS – On Sale October 4th

January 22, 2022 at 1:30 PM – A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when a mind-blowing secret is revealed: Dragons love tacos! Chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, teeny tiny tacos, all kinds of tacos. So, the boy and his dog decide to throw a taco party to end all taco parties for a flock of dragons, each with their own unique style and personality. But what are the fiery consequences for eating tacos with spicy jalapeño pepper salsa? This hilarious, dance-filled journey into the field of Dragonology is equal parts ridiculous and delicious, and has all the ingredients for a fantastic time!
Recommended for ages 4 and up

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE – On Sale October 4th

April 2, 2022 at 1:30 PM – One of the most celebrated books in children's literature and the #1 most requested DCT play returns to the stage to create a remarkable world of magic. Join young adventurers Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they step through the not so ordinary wardrobe and into the mythical land of C.S. Lewis' Narnia. Facing fantastic creatures and fierce battles in the heart and on the land, the four siblings must find the courage to battle the treacherous White Witch in order to end the deadly eternal winter in the beautiful forest. Guided by the all-knowing Lion, Aslan, these discoverers learn to cast aside their own fears to find the heroes within themselves.
Recommended for ages 7 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.

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

CIRCO METROPOLIS SOCIAL STORY
A pictorial guide with simple language explaining what can be expected when visiting the theater.

CIRCO METROPOLIS PARENT TIPSHEET
Specific details about the production.

Have 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: