Sensory Friendly Programming
CTC understands that patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder have unique and varying sensory needs and sensitivities, as may individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses.
CTC values creating accessible theatre experiences for all individuals in our community and is committed to increasing access and inclusion for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
At our Sensory Friendly performances, sensory modifications are balanced with preserving the engaging theatre experience desired by all children and families.
What to expect
- Audience lights left on low throughout the entire performance
- Overall sound reduction throughout the entire performance; noise-reducing headphones and disposable ear plugs are also available at the Audience Services and Access Desk.
- Aspects of productions may be modified for the Sensory Friendly performance. These modifications may include changes to lighting, sounds, and performance qualities such as eliminating strobe effects, lessening the intensity of a sound effect, and modifying actor-audience interaction.
- Access to the Take-a-Break Space, which is equipped with a variety of fidgets, weighted blankets, and other sensory supports
- When attending shows on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, access to the Quiet Room, a place that allows the performance to be viewed with some separation from the audience
- Additional CTC staff who’ve received training from Fraser and on-site volunteers from Fraser
Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Families may select their own seats when purchasing tickets online, but if special assistance or a buffer seat is needed, please contact the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.
Pre-Visit Resources
Social Story
A Social Story is a written story that shows information about a social situation to convey behavioral expectations and prepare for a new environment. It is a common tool for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, created to structure social skills, improve appropriate behavior, and increase engagement.
SOCIAL STORY: UNITEDHEALTH GROUP STAGE
Meet Your Seat
Meet Your Seat opportunities are provided to reduce stress and support successful priming for the actual event. To schedule a Meet Your Seat visit prior to your scheduled performance date, email Senior Audience Experience Manager D’aniel Stock at dstock@childrenstheatre.org.
Sensory Friendly Performances
Treasure Island
UnitedHealth Group Stage
The sea is calling! Embark on a swashbuckling adventure to sail the open seas as young Jim searches for buried treasure and navigates shifting alliances. Sword fights, live music, and high-seas thrills await!
Friday, October 10, 2025 at 7pm
Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 11am
Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile The Musical
Cargill Stage
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle with his tummy rumbling… Get to know all of the creatively puppeted creatures in the U.S. premiere of this smash U.K. hit.
Friday, October 31, 2025 at 7pm
Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 5pm
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
UnitedHealth Group Stage
In this CTC holiday favorite filled with music and Seussian rhymes, everyone’s favorite grouchy, green Grinch plots the greatest heist imaginable—stealing the very thing the joyful Whos love the most!
Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7pm
Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 11am
Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!
Unitedhealth group Stage
Dogs are everywhere! Roller-skating, playing baseball, driving race cars, and speaking—in Spanish and English! Sing along with this bilingual spectacle that makes no sense (and TOTAL sense) at the same time!
Dinosaur World Live
UnitedHealth Group Stage
Dinosaurs take over CTC! Feel the rumble of their rawrs as a young paleontologist takes you on an up-close adventure that has wowed kids and adults all over the world.
Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 11am
The Wizard of Oz
UnitedHealth Group Stage
It’s not every day that a wild tornado whizzes over your head, or the world magically shifts from black and white to technicolor! Don’t miss this grand spectacle, featuring songs from the classic film.
This season’s Sensory Friendly programming is made possible with support from
