December 3rd at 2 PM: Roxey Ballet's Relaxed Performance

Roxey Ballet is proud to offer a sensory-friendly performance of the holiday classic Nutcracker for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensitivity issues or special needs. This relaxed performance is also suitable for children under the age of 6.

"Studies have shown that theatre experiences increase social skills for students with autism. Our sensory-friendly performance allows everyone to experience ballet in a comfortable, nurturing, and accepting environment," says Hailey Glover, Director of Education & Outreach.

What makes it "sensory-friendly"?

A friendly, supportive environment for families with a loved one with special needs. Adaptations to the performance are slight, including:

• lower sound levels

• elimination of potentially startling special effects and lighting

• house lights on at about 20%

PLUS, at this performance we have:

• relaxed house rules -- you are free to get up, move around, and leave whenever you need to

• allowed use of iPads and other electronics for therapeutic uses

• volunteers scattered throughout the theater to assist and direct audience members as needed

• quiet areas and activity areas in the lobby for taking a break

• fidget objects and earplugs available

• certified staff, ushers, and volunteers from a wide variety of autism service agencies, schools, and organizations

Resources are available like pre-visit social stories and Picture Schedules. Tickets $20 - Special discounts offered on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, and by joining our email list.

Performances are held at The College of New Jersey’s Kendall Main Stage Theater, 2000 Pennington Rd. Ewing, NJ 08628

Learn More: http://www.roxeyballet.org/sensory-friendly-performances