Extra Extra: Disney’s Newsies Goes Sensory Friendly at Next Generation Theatre

Erin Karll

This production of Disney’s ‘newsies’ is letting all “fansies” have an opportunity to seize the day. The Next Generation theater company of St. Louis Missouri is offering a “sensory friendly“ performance. Theater fans with light or sound sensitivity or those on the spectrum of autism should feel more comfortable and welcomed at the show. There will also be sign language interpreters for ASL users. 

The sensory friendly performance will be Sunday September 2nd. The run begins at the James J Eagan civic center in Florissant Missouri on August 31st. Tickets and show information can be found at www.nextgenerationtheatre.company

Having a passion for accessibility I have created a list of some adjustments that could be made to have a sensory friendly production.  First, advertise it as a special performance. Audiences will know what to expect, and everyone will know they are welcomed. Secondly, adjust house lights. Keeping them on but dimmed helps with those who have processing issues with flashes of lights or darkness. Third lower volume of microphones and music. Similarly to lights this will help audience members with sound processing difficulties. Forth, have a quiet place to escape from the action. The lobby would be perfect, just post a sign or add it to the pre show announcements. Lastly prepare your staff in correct terminology, de-escalation, and distraction techniques. 

My other advice is over prepare and outreach. Overstaff so you know there are people around. Get in touch with parent groups, social workers, the special school district, and more to gather as much information as possible. Contact a local lather theatre where national tours may stop and see if they have any connections or advice. There are tons of resources, so reach out as soon as possible to make sure everything is arranged and fitting for the evening. 

I contacted Next Generation Theatre staff to ask some questions on specifics of their sensory friendly performance, how they came up with the idea to do such a performance, and how they got it done. 

“This is Next Gen’s first sensory friendly production and as we have heard, the first of its kind in St Louis! We’re incredibly excited to bring this opportunity to the theatre world and we hope it can spread throughout the city. “

When ask about specific adjustment for this performance over the rest of their run:

“Adjusting the show truly hasn’t been too difficult. Some minor choreography moments have been changed around and the house lights will be at half thru the entire show. The key to making a show of this caliber happen in such a way is to have complete awareness of its effects. What could be a simple light flash to one person, may have a completely different reaction to another.”

When ask about specific resources in the local community they used: 

“St. Louis has amazing resources we reached out to, Easterseals being one great one, who came to speak with our company about how to achieve our goals.... We found (ASL) interpreters through some members of our cast reaching out to local groups and friends fluent in sign language. “

I look forward to see many more accessible shows for all audience members. I really enjoy the feel of these newsies carrying the banner for all. Fingers crossed to this troupe and may this be the first of many sensory friendly shows in the St Louis area.