Q. What is a sensory-friendly performance?
A “sensory-friendly” performance is a theater offering that is modified for individuals with sensory needs. A regular performance may be too loud, too bright, too busy, or too crowded for people with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, anxiety or other cognitive or physical disabilities. The “anything goes” environment creates a stress-free and more comfortable theater experience.
Q. When and where is the show taking place?
The sensory-friendly performance of "New Squid on the Block" is taking place on December 28th at 1pm as part of RVA Winter Puppetfest. Shows will be at Richmond Triangle Players' Robert B. Moss Theatre at 1300 Altamont Avenue. The show is 50-minutes in length; no intermission.
Q. How can I get tickets?
Tickets for this performance are $5 each and can be purchased online.
Q. Who should attend this performance?
The sensory-friendly performance is specially catered to children and adults with sensory input disorders, autism, or other developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities plus their families and caretakers. This is a judgment-free, fun experience for the entire family. Public performances might typically frown upon a lot of movement or loud reactions, but it will be fully embraced and supported during this performance. What better way to help build social and living skills to use later in life than to experience an event within a community setting. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Caretakers and family members of individuals with special needs are encouraged to attend.
Q. What changes can we expect for the sensory-friendly performance?
• Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds.
• Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance.
• No strobe lighting effects; no lighting focused on the audience.
• Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance. The curtain to the lobby will be partially opened to allow for ease of access.
• Limited capacity performance with space for standing and movement.
Q. If my child/family member is not able to sit through the entire show or needs to take a break during the performance, will we be able to leave the theatre? If they decide to, will we be able to return to our seat?
Yes. You are free to leave and enter the theatre as often as you need. The curtain will be left partially open to allow for ease of movement.
Q. Can I bring edibles, fidget toys, headphones or other items that help my child/family member stay calm?
We encourage you to bring any items that might make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. We request that you do not bring in outside food, though, as we are also trying to ensure the space is safe for those with food allergies. If you have special snack requests, please contact us, and we will see what we can do to help.
Q. My family member is in a wheelchair. Can you accommodate us?
A. Yes, the theatre is wheelchair accessible at the backdoor (and we can help!) with seating to accommodate up to 3 wheelchair patrons and their companions. Be sure to purchase wheelchair accessible seating in advance to ensure a spot, at no extra charge.
Q. My child/family member is deaf or hard-of-hearing. Will there be ASL interpreters at the sensory friendly performance?
No, but the show is wordless, so the show is accessible to members of the community who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Please do let us know how we can be of support if you have any other questions.
A “sensory-friendly” performance is a theater offering that is modified for individuals with sensory needs. A regular performance may be too loud, too bright, too busy, or too crowded for people with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, anxiety or other cognitive or physical disabilities. The “anything goes” environment creates a stress-free and more comfortable theater experience.
Q. When and where is the show taking place?
The sensory-friendly performance of "New Squid on the Block" is taking place on December 28th at 1pm as part of RVA Winter Puppetfest. Shows will be at Richmond Triangle Players' Robert B. Moss Theatre at 1300 Altamont Avenue. The show is 50-minutes in length; no intermission.
Q. How can I get tickets?
Tickets for this performance are $5 each and can be purchased online.
Q. Who should attend this performance?
The sensory-friendly performance is specially catered to children and adults with sensory input disorders, autism, or other developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities plus their families and caretakers. This is a judgment-free, fun experience for the entire family. Public performances might typically frown upon a lot of movement or loud reactions, but it will be fully embraced and supported during this performance. What better way to help build social and living skills to use later in life than to experience an event within a community setting. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Caretakers and family members of individuals with special needs are encouraged to attend.
Q. What changes can we expect for the sensory-friendly performance?
• Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds.
• Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance.
• No strobe lighting effects; no lighting focused on the audience.
• Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance. The curtain to the lobby will be partially opened to allow for ease of access.
• Limited capacity performance with space for standing and movement.
Q. If my child/family member is not able to sit through the entire show or needs to take a break during the performance, will we be able to leave the theatre? If they decide to, will we be able to return to our seat?
Yes. You are free to leave and enter the theatre as often as you need. The curtain will be left partially open to allow for ease of movement.
Q. Can I bring edibles, fidget toys, headphones or other items that help my child/family member stay calm?
We encourage you to bring any items that might make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. We request that you do not bring in outside food, though, as we are also trying to ensure the space is safe for those with food allergies. If you have special snack requests, please contact us, and we will see what we can do to help.
Q. My family member is in a wheelchair. Can you accommodate us?
A. Yes, the theatre is wheelchair accessible at the backdoor (and we can help!) with seating to accommodate up to 3 wheelchair patrons and their companions. Be sure to purchase wheelchair accessible seating in advance to ensure a spot, at no extra charge.
Q. My child/family member is deaf or hard-of-hearing. Will there be ASL interpreters at the sensory friendly performance?
No, but the show is wordless, so the show is accessible to members of the community who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Please do let us know how we can be of support if you have any other questions.
