Provided photo.

On November 16, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall put on its first-ever mainstage, sensory-friendly production with the holiday favorite Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Open to all, the production was tailored to be especially welcoming to people with autism, sensory and communication disorders and learning disabilities, without changing the artistic integrity of the show.

“It also happens to be really good for families with toddlers and young children,” says Justin Gomlack, director of education and community engagement at the Van Wezel. “We make small modifications to some elements of the show that might be sensory overload, but even more so, we make a lot of modifications to the audience experience to create an environment that is more conducive to someone with those sensitivities to enjoy the show.”

Creating that sensory-friendly environment entails a number of different adjustments to the theater space. Gomlack and his team turned up the lights to a higher level than normal, audience members were free to leave and enter the auditorium as they pleased throughout the show and a “no-shushing” rule was in strict effect. Additionally, a “know-before-you-go” video was sent out to patrons before the show, prepping them for everything to expect during each stage of the show, from entering the building to the final bow from the performers. “We wanted audience members to be able to make as much noise as they’d like, because people’s engagement looks different depending on who you are. We also created a quiet room in our lounge, which was a space where someone can go if it’s getting a little too loud or they’re having too much sensory overload,” says Gomlack. “We decked that space out with all sorts of sensory tools and soft, squishy things, and made the space quiet, with low lighting to help people regulate. We made noise-reducing headphones and fidget toys available to the guests as well.”

Although this was the Van Wezel’s first mainstage, sensory-friendly production, Gomlack is hopeful that this will be a practice the organization will continue to implement in the future. For parents with neurodivergent children or even neurotypical toddlers, going to the theater can become an insurmountable task. Productions like this one at the Van Wezel offer the opportunity to enjoy a show, while removing the barriers of traditional audience etiquette or sensory overload. “Many parents of the neurotypical toddlers were just so grateful to be able to feel included. Those families that did have sensory needs that were in the house were just very grateful to enjoy live theater in the same way that everyone else does,” says Gomlack. It’s something that is quite rare and I’m hoping that this is only the beginning.”

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

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