Autism Programs

Autism/Sensory Friendly Children's Theater Performance

Autism/Sensory-Friendly Performances are designed and intended for families with children having autism or other developmental disabilities. This program is designed and planned in cooperation with Autism New Jersey and the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University. At these performances the theater environment will be altered, providing a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for these families.

Autism/Sensory-Friendly Performances are recommended only for those families bringing a loved one having a developmental disability, or their teachers and advocates who are familiar with and accepting of behaviors exhibited by some children with autism.

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Autism/Sensory Friendly Performances at the bottom of this page.

Scroll down to see details on upcoming sensory friendly performances.

Autism/Sensory accommodations Include:

• Lights remain on, but low dimmed, inside the theater
• Comfortable volume & consistent sound levels, elimination of loud sound effects.
• Kids free to talk and leave their seat under parental supervision
• All performances will include an intermission
• “Quiet Area” (staffed by volunteer specialists)
• “Activity Area” (staffed by volunteer specialists)
• Volunteer specialists stationed throughout the theater to lend assistance to families
• Family bathrooms (gender-neutral)
• BYO snacks & drinks (Concessions will also be open for business)
• Online resource materials: sequenced social story can be downloaded on www.PaperMill.org
• “Meet Your Seat!” a FREE Open House on a day prior to the each performance expressly for children to visit the theater before the show to become familiar with the space and grounds and to ease their transition. (no reservation required)

Autism/Sensory Friendly Performance: The Little Mermaid

Where: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ 07041

When: Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Time: 4PM

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.  Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, it's a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages.  Come fall in love with the magic for the first time - or all over again!

Call973.376.4343

“MEET YOUR SEAT!” before the show – a FREE Open House on Tues., June 25 from 3PM-6PM.

In collaboration with Paper Mill Playhouse, Autism Friendly Spaces provides consultative services for the autism theatre initiative.

Lead support for Theater for Everyone programming is provided by:

                          

Additional generous support is provided by C.R. Bard Foundation, Inc. Fund for the New Jersey Blind, and Cultural Access Network of New Jersey. 

Major funding for Paper Mill Playhouse Education Outreach is provided by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. 

Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey Stat Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Click below to learn more about Paper Mill Playhouse Access Programs

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