Sensory-Friendly Performances

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

Sensory-Friendly AXIS Event

Our fourth annual sensory-friendly AXIS event will take place on Saturday, December 10 at 8:30 a.m., just before the performance of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! It will include a pre-show concert by "Banding Together" as well as singing, improv, and a sensory-friendly workshop by actor and teacher Samantha Ginn. These exciting opportunties make the sensory-friendly Grinch even more inclusive. Tickets to the sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! are available by phone or in person only. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call our Ticket Office at (619) 234-5623.

8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.:  Rise and Shine Choir from Clairemont Lutheran Church: This show features a sing-along of well-known sacred and popular holiday songs and carols accompanied by handball and percussion instruments. The Rise & Shine Choir, sponsored by Clairemont Lutheran Church, is a unique all-special-needs musical group.

8:55a.m. - 9:25 a.m.: Jungle Poppins: Performing quirky originals, upbeat covers, and favorite movie soundtracks. Anything but average, they let music upstage autism. Members: Reid Moriarty on keys and vocals, Brendan Kerr on bass, Ethan Marr on drums and Steven Crowle on guitar.

9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.: Cosmic 93 from the Music Therapy Center of California: Performers Zach, Clayton, Jordon and Isaias have come together to form this new band, featuring an array of metal covers and all types of music for everyone to enjoy!

View 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 performance of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2018. Photo by Rich Soublet II.