Barrington Stage is pleased to introduce sensory-friendly performances at our productions of Hairspray JR and Dancing Lessons this season.
HAIRSPRAY JR.- Youth Theatre Production
In Hairspray JR, Tracy Turnblad pursues her dream of dancing on national television and navigates the racial tensions and stereotypes of the 1960s in this high energy musical.
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, August 2 @ 12:30pm
Tickets: $16 adults; $12 youth ages 5-18*
Venue: Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield
Performance Length: approx. 75 minutes
*Please note that children under the age of 5 are not permitted to Youth Theatre performances.
DANCING LESSONS
Dancing Lessons is a world premiere romantic comedy about a young man with Asperger’s and his relationship with an injured Broadway dancer.
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, August 16 @ 2pm
Tickets: $20 adults; $15 youth ages 6-18*
Venue: Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield
Performance Length: approx. 90 minutes
*Dancing Lessons is recommended for youth ages 13 and up. Please note that children under the age of 6 are not permitted to Boyd-Quinson Mainstage performances.
To purchase tickets, or ask any questions about this event, please call 413-236-8888. Tickets may be purchased by phone or in-person only and are on sale now.
Refund Policy
We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable for families. Tickets to our sensory-friendly performances are 100% refundable if a family finds they are unable to attend the day of the performance and notify the Box Office before curtain. This policy only applies to sensory-friendly performances.
About Sensory-Friendly Performances
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to be more accessible to those individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities and are also great for families who are looking for a more relaxed, informal environment. Our Box Office and Front of House staff are trained to create an accessible and welcoming experience for you, your child and your family. Barrington Stage has been working closely with a network of theatre professionals and nationwide autism experts, including the College Internship Program (CIP), to help us prepare for these new performances.
Adaptations for these sensory-friendly performances will include:
- Reduction of the sound level, especially for loud or startling sounds, and reduction of overwhelming stage lighting.
- Low lighting in the theatre so patrons can see if they need to move around or exit the theatre.
- Intentionally empty seats to allow extra room for children needing to move or exit a row during the performance.
- A social story and other preparatory materials for parents and children explaining what to expect from the performance.
- Allowance for the use of tablets and smartphones in the theatre if used as a communication device for a child.
- Designated break spaces for those who might feel overwhelmed and need to take some time to self-regulate.
- Meet Your Seat! A special date will be offered prior to the performance for you and your family to get a sense of the theatre and to see where you’ll be sitting during the show.
