Theatre Development Fund’s Autism Initiative will offer more shows for those who have autism.

Theatre Development Fund takes the development part of their name seriously. They work to reach new audiences and give access to people who might not otherwise be able to enjoy theatre. Their latest program is the Autism Theatre Initiative, which aims to make theatre accessible to children and adults  with autism. They recently held their first autism-friendly performance (more are planned) Sunday at The Lion King on Broadway. The show made adjustments to the performance—including the reduction of jarring sounds or lights—and quiet spaces were made available in the lobby for patrons who had to leave the performance. More info about the program and a video about the performance from NBC Nightly News after the jump.

On October 2, 2011, Theatre Development Fund( TDF) launched a new program, Autism Theatre Initiative, to make theatre accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum, and their families.

The program, which is a part of TDF's Accessibility Programs (TAP), presented the first autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show at Disney's landmark musical THE LION KING at the Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th Street, NYC) on Sunday, October 2 at 1pm.

The show was performed in a friendly, supportive environment for an audience of families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues.  Slight adjustments to the production included reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience.  In the theatre lobby there were staffed quiet areas and an activity area, for those who needed to leave their seats during the performance.

A downloadable social story (in Word format) with pictures of the theatre and production was available several months in advance of the performance which was designed to personalize the experience for each attendee with ASD. Tickets were offered through TDF at affordable prices with the top ticket price being $79.00.

This initial performance was extremely successful and we are looking to schedule additional autism-friendly performances in the future.

TDF wishes to acknowledge the following donors for their generous support of  the Autism Theatre Initiative:
The Joseph LeRoy and Ann C. Warner Fund, Inc.
Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area
Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation
autismshop.com

For more info about Theatre Development Fund, please visit www.tdf.org