Fun Freetime: CTC's Foreign Language and Sensory Friendly Performances (MN)

The Children's Theatre Company in Minnesota has, over the years, tried to make quality theater accessible to children by putting on family-friendly shows that are engaging and professional. They have also had a variety of initiatives to provide affordable tickets, including the ACT Pass, and $10 seats available on Sundays for that week's performances.

Now, they're rolling out some new options, specifically for families that speak other languages or have children for whom a standard performance might be too intense. The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be shown in French and Spanish, as well as the theatre's first ever Sensory Friendly performance, with minor alterations to suit patrons that fall somewhere on the Autism Spectrum or have other learning, sensory, or social disabilities.

I think this is great. The list of accommodations, according to the theatre, includes:

• Reduction of loud or jarring sounds
• Lights remain on at a low level during the performance
• Reductions in flashing or strobe lights
• Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance
• Children’s Theatre Company staff trained by the Autism Society of Minnesota

Neither of my children has autism or other diagnosed learning disabilities. However, my oldest had extreme sound sensitivities when she was younger, and performances like this would have really helped her enjoy things more! As it was, we didn't take her to concerts or plays until she grew older and we could work with her on reducing her sensitivities.

If you know someone in the area that would benefit from a sensory friendly performance, or a Spanish-language performance, feel free to pass this information along!