Sensory-Friendly Performances

The sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is on Saturday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m. For tickets, please call the Box Office at (619) 234-5623.

Join us for this uplifting and joyous occasion on Saturday, December 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. right before the sensory-friendly Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! performance. Not only will there be lots of holiday fun and upbeat music, but there will also be an arts-and-crafts table and an opportunity to meet Mr. Grinch himself!

• coLAB’s Sensory Friendly Holiday Workshop and Presentation from 8:40 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.: An original holiday script devised by seven neurodiverse performers. This show features live music, acting, dancing, rapping, and more! Performers: Rachel Ford, Liam Porter, Stephanie Monis, Reid Moriarty, Ethan Marr, Jacob Brown, and Brendan Kerr. Musician Paul Eddy will also be featured onstage with our performers.
• Live music on the guitar with Paul Eddy from 9:10 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.: Paul Eddy will play holiday classics and other crowd favorites.
• Live music by Jungle Poppins from 9:25 a.m. to 9:55 a.m.: The band Jungle Poppins will play their holiday set. Members of Jungle Poppins: Reid Moriarty on vocals and piano, Brendan Kerr on bass, Ethan Marr on drums, and Steven Crowle on guitar.

Watch the Social Story Here

Other sensory-friendly performances have included The Tale of Despereaux, Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, and Into the Woods.

What Is a Sensory-Friendly Performance?

In order to make the experience safer and more enjoyable for theatregoers with autism and other sensitivity issues, slight adjustments are made to the production including:

• Fewer loud noises and flashing lights that may be challenging for some audience members;
• A quiet area in the lobby of the theatre for children who need to leave their seat during the show;
• On-site volunteer specialists will be on hand to assist families as they arrive at the Old Globe Theatre and throughout the performance.

An online social story is also available for Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Parents can view and print this social story, which outlines in words and pictures of the experience that families will have during their trip to see the sensory-friendly performance. Families can also make an appointment to “meet their seat” and familiarize themselves with Balboa Park and The Old Globe.

Photo: (center) Edward Watts as the Grinch with guests of the sensory-friendly peformance of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2018. Photo by Rich Soublet II.