TDF will present the first autism-friendly performance of New York City Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker November 27 at 1 PM at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater. The matinee performance will be tailored for families with members on the autism spectrum or other sensory sensitivities as part of TDF's Autism Friendly Performances program.
Productions make adjustments where possible to reduce potentially triggering sounds and lights, and staffed break areas are provided in the theatre lobby for audience members who need to leave their seats during the performance.
"We are thrilled to mark this historic first for TDF Autism Friendly Performances," says Director of TDF Accessibility Programs Lisa Carling in a statement. "We wanted to explore offering dance for our AFP program and George Balanchine's The Nutcracker was the obvious choice for a family outing during the holidays. We’re grateful to the staff at NYCB for their support and hope this will be a wonderful experience for audience members of all ages."
"Since 2014 New York City Ballet’s Education Department has produced programming and workshops for people with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum,” adds NYCB Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford. "This year, thanks to the company’s partnership with TDF, we are thrilled to expand these offerings to include the first-ever, autism-friendly performance of our beloved holiday production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker."
Through their Autism Friendly Performances program which launched in 2011, TDF has presented special performances of Disney’s The Lion King, Aladdin, Cats, Come From Away, Elf: The Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Kinky Boots, Mary Poppins, Matilda, My Fair Lady, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The King and I, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked.
For tickets and more information, visit TDF.org.
