Sensory Friendly Programming

We have always loved CTC. It is one of our older daughter's favorite experiences. But when our son was diagnosed with autism, we were intimidated by the thought of attending the theater. Providing a safe theater experience would help families enjoy shows. Also – just knowing we are welcomed is HUGE!

Mom, Autism Society of Minnesota

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.

To cultivate a supportive and welcoming environment at every dedicated Sensory Friendly performance you can expect:

  • A production-specific Sensory Guide and Social Narrative designed to prepare patrons for the experience of attending the production, available online and emailed to Sensory Friendly performance ticket-holders the week of the designated performance
  • Additional CTC staff who’ve received training from Fraser and on-site volunteers from Fraser and Autism Society of Minnesota
  • Audience lights left on low throughout the entire performance
  • Overall sound reduction (noise-reducing earmuffs and disposable ear plugs are also available at the Audience Services and Access Desk)
  • Access to the U.S. Bank 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 allow the performance to be viewed with some separation from the audience

Additional aspects of productions may be modified for the Sensory Friendly performance. These potential 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.

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, but if special assistance or a buffer seat is needed, please contact the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.

Pre-Visit Resources:

  • Social Story - Click Here for shows on the UHG Stage; Click Here for shows on the Cargill Stage
  • Video Tour to prepare for your visit to Children’s Theatre Company - For UHG Stage Click Here; For Cargill Stage Click Here
  • ‘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 [email protected]

Sensory Friendly Performances
CTC's line-up of Sensory Friendly shows include the performances listed below:

Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams: Friday, October 18, 7pm

  • Click here to view the Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams Sensory Guide
  • Click here to view the Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams Social Narrative
Snow White: Friday, December 6, 7pm
Cinderella: Friday, January 3, 7pm
Bob Marley's Three Little Birds: Friday, February 28, 7pm
Spamtown, U.S.A.: Friday, April 3, 7pm
The Rainbow Fish: Friday, April 3, 7pm
Annie: Friday, June 12, 7pm


Contact [email protected] for more information.

Privacy Policy

Thank you for reviewing the privacy policy and disclaimer.

Children’s Theatre Company (“CTC”) is committed to providing a safe online experience. We collect no personally identifying information, unless you choose to provide us with that information. This statement of Privacy applies to the CTC website and governs data collection and usage. By using the CTC website, you consent to the data practices described in this statement.

COLLECTION OF PERSON INFORMATION
If you visit our site to browse, read, watch videos or download, we automatically collect and store only the following information about you:
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This information is used to improve the functionality of the website—to learn about the number of visitors to our site and the types of technology our visitors use. We do not track or record information about individuals and their visits. We may compile and report aggregate statistics about our users — numbers, traffic patterns, and related site information — but these statistics will include no personally identifying information. CTC is not responsible for privacy statements or other content on websites outside of CTC, including those linked from CTC’s website.

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You have the option to contact us by phone or by email ([email protected]) to request that we remove your name from our mailing and/or calling and/or trade list. If you opt to be taken off our mailing list, you will receive no mail from us, including publications or special notices. If you opt to be removed from our calling list, you will receive no calls from us except when a performance is canceled. We will not sell, trade or share a donor’s personal information with anyone else, nor send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations. If you are not a donor and you opt to be removed from our trade list, we will not provide your name to other arts organizations that might be making special offers or anyone else.

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CHANGES TO STATEMENT

CTC may occasionally update our Statement of Privacy to reflect customer feedback or changing technologies. CTC encourages you to review this statement periodically.

CONTACT

CTC welcomes comments and questions about or Statement of Privacy. If you believe CTC has not adheared to this statement, please contact us at [email protected].

DISCLAIMER

Under no circumstances shall CTC, its employees or contractors be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages that may result in any way from your use or inability to use the information provided on this or any other web site supported or maintained by CTC or from your reliance on or use of information, services or merchandise provided on or through the web site or that result from mistakes, errors, omissions, interruptions, defects, deletion of files, delays in operation or transmission or any failure of performance. If you are dissatisfied with the information provided on this web site, or with any of the practices of the CTC in the operation of this web site, your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue using the web site.