PROVIDENCE – Trinity Repertory Company has announced a series of performances during the 2019-2020 season that will be “sensory-friendly” for autistic audience members and those with sensory-processing disorders.
The performances will be identical to other performances of the show but will feature a flashing red light placed discreetly in the theater to let patrons know when a loud sound or intense lighting is about to occur. A list will also be made available of moments in each show that might be overwhelming to those with sensory-processing disorders.
Trained ushers will be available to offer assistance, and a safe space will be available in the lobby for patrons to return to if they need a break from the performance. A plot synopsis can be sent to patrons in advance.
Trinity said the sensory-friendly performances are part of an effort to make theater accessible to everyone. Trinity said it has seen attendance at the sensory-friendly performances grow since the program started two seasons ago with the assistance of sensory consultants Dan Boyle and Daniel Perkins.
“We watch each performance and we curate a list of triggering items for all who come to see the shows,” Boyle said.
Tickets to Trinity Rep’s sensory-friendly performances can be purchased as a subscription starting at $120 for all six plays or starting at $27 for single productions. Subscriptions are available now and non-subscription tickets will go on sale Aug. 20.
The Sensory-Friendly Series includes the following performances:
- “The Prince of Providence,” Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
- “Fade,” Dec. 31, at 7:30 p.m.
- “August Wilson’s Radio Golf,” Feb. 25, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.
- “A Tale of Two Cities,” March 17, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.
- “Sweat,” April 28, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.
- “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” May 19, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.
The sensory-friendly performances build on the popular sensory-friendly performance of “A Christmas Carol” that Trinity Rep has offered since 2013. Now called Sensory-Friendly Plus! to indicate that it’s a sensory-friendly plus family-friendly performance, Trinity Rep will continue to offer a special performance of the holiday classic that will be a lights-on performance in which patrons are invited to make sounds, enter and exit as needed and enjoy the tradition with their family and community. This year’s Sensory-Friendly Plus! performance of “A Christmas Carol” will be on Nov. 16 at noon.
“We had a fantastic sensory-friendly season last year, and existing subscribers seemed very supportive of this new offering,” said Jordan Butterfield, Trinity Rep director of education and accessibility. “The warning lights and list of potential triggers were helpful for those who needed it but were nonintrusive for those who wanted to keep the shows spoiler-free. This is all part of a planned initiative to break down barriers for entry and make Trinity Rep as inclusive as possible for all people.”
