Sensory-Friendly Performances

The Old Globe is offering a sensory-friendly performance of The Tale of Despereaux on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at 12:00 noon. There will also be a Free Sensory-Friendly AXIS Event for The Tale of Despereaux starting at 10:00 a.m., before the performance.

The Tale of Despereaux Free Sensory-Friendly AXIS Event Details

The Tale of Despereaux will be performed for children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as for other families with special needs that may appreciate the welcoming and supportive environment this performance provides. Other sensory-friendly performances have included Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, and Into the Woods.

An online social story is available for parents to view and print at home that outlines in words and pictures the experience that families will have during their trip to see The Tale of Despereaux.

To get access to the social story, please email Arts Engagement Programs Manager Katherine Harroff at kharroff@TheOldGlobe.org.

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.

Grinch Social Story

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.