Sensory & Neurodivergent Support
Whether you are visiting with an autistic family member, managing your own sensory processing needs, or simply prefer knowing what to expect ahead of time, we strive to make your theater experience comfortable, predictable, and engaging. Below, you will find self-guided visual guides and on-site accommodations designed to help you plan your visit with ease.
1. Step-by-Step Visitor Guide (Social Narrative)
Knowing what to expect can make your visit comfortable and stress-free.
Download our full Visual Social Narrative PDF, or review the quick step-by-step overview below:
1. Arriving & Parking:
Main lot or lower level drop-off.
When you arrive at the theater, you will park in our main paved lot. If you are attending a Black Box show or class downstairs, you can follow the paved path down to the lower entrance.
2. Entering the Lobby & Ticket Check:
Friendly staff in black shirts or badges.
As you step through the main front doors, you will enter our lobby. You will see our Box Office counter to your left. An usher or box office team member (wearing a theater badge or black shirt) will look up your reservation by name.
3. Lobby Surroundings & Concessions:
Visual menu available at counter.
The lobby can get busy and noisy about 15–30 minutes before showtime. If you would like snacks or drinks, our concessions counter features a Visual Picture Menu so you can easily point to select your items.
4. Entering the Theater & Finding Seats:
Dim lighting during pre-show.
When the theater is ready, an usher will take your ticket stub and help guide you to your seat. The lights in the seating area will be dim, and background music or chatter may be playing before the performance begins.
5. During the Show & Taking Breaks:
Feel free to step out if needed.
When the show begins, the main house lights will turn off completely. If at any point you need a break, you are welcome to leave your seat to seek a quiet space. There are exits on both sides of the front row.
2. Show-Specific Sensory Advisories
Because every theatrical production is unique, sensory elements vary widely from show to show. Our goal is to make show-specific Sensory Advisory Guides a standard part of our Main Stage programming.
Why Advisories Vary
Because we host multiple independent producing companies, fast-paced performance runs, and sometimes short one-weekend engagements, key technical elements (like precise lighting cues, sound effects, or stage haze) are often finalized during tech week right before opening night. Because of this, formal written guides may not always be available far in advance for every production.
What a Sensory Advisory Covers
When an advisory is created, it breaks down potential sensory triggers scene-by-scene or act-by-act, including:
Lighting: Sudden blackouts, strobe effects, flashing lights, or sudden bright shifts.
Sound: Unexpected loud noises, sound effects (e.g., gunshots, thunder), shouting, or sudden music cues.
Atmospheric Effects: Stage haze, fog, smoke, or distinct scents.
Audience Interaction: Actors entering the audience aisles or directly addressing patrons.
Requesting an Advisory for an Upcoming Show
If you or someone in your party would benefit from a sensory breakdown for an upcoming production, please reach out to us at least 1–2 weeks before your visit. We will make every effort to gather sensory details from the production's creative team so you can plan your visit comfortably.
Check the specific show page on our website prior to your performance date to see if a downloadable Sensory Advisory Guide is available for that run.
3. Theater Map & Easy-Exit Seating
We want patrons to feel empowered to move around or take a break whenever necessary.
Best Exit Seats: If you prefer quick access to the lobby or quiet areas during a performance, we recommend booking seats along the outer aisle or in the front row of the Main Stage auditorium. In the Black Box space, seats near the doors offer the fastest exit path.
Downloadable Visual Maps: View our Seating & Exit Route Map (PDF) below or download it ahead of time to identify quiet areas, restroom locations, and emergency exits before you arrive.
4. On-Site Sensory Support & Accommodations
We offer complimentary sensory resources at the Box Office for any guest who may need them:
Sensory Items: Available to checkout at the Box Office prior to any performance. Items include tactile fidget tools and other sensory supportive objects.
Visual Concessions Menu: Located directly at the concessions counter to assist non-verbal patrons or anyone who prefers picture-assisted ordering.
Need Assistance or Have Questions?
If you have questions about sensory accommodations or would like to request specific seating adjustments prior to a show, please contact our team:
Phone: 845-876-3080