New! Special Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance

South Coast Repertory understands that for some members of our community, live theatre can be an overwhelming sensory and social experience. To offer everyone in our community the opportunity to experience the wonders of live theatre, SCR will present a sensory friendly/relaxed performance of The Incredible Book Eating Boy on Saturday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m.

This performance is designed specifically for audience members who might benefit from a more relaxed sensory experience and casual environment, including—but not limited to—audience members on the autism spectrum, those with sensory sensitivities or learning disabilities, and their families.

“Creating a supportive and safe environment for our neurodiverse community to experience the joy of live theatre is essential,” SCR Artistic Director David Ivers said. “By reducing some of the very real sensory stimulus that is often presented in our spaces, SCR opens access to a host of people who may otherwise find theatre an overwhelming experience.”

While the funny, heartfelt story of The Incredible Book Eating Boy will remain unchanged, the environment—and the etiquette that comes with attending the theatre—will be altered to allow everyone to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Families can expect low ambient lighting in the theater throughout the performance, reduced sound levels, doors kept open to provide access to the lobby, designated spaces outside of the theatre for anyone who needs to take a break and a sensory bag that includes earplugs, sunglasses and a tactile object. Buffer seats, to give families more space on either side of their group, can be arranged by calling the Ticket Services office at (714) 708-5555.

“Adding a sensory friendly/relaxed performance makes this musical more accessible to Orange County families who may be unable to take their children to the theatre for concern that they have difficulty sitting still or will have strong reactions that often are discouraged inside a theatre,” said Managing Director Suzanne Appel. “Our goal is to make this programming welcoming to all Orange County families and affirm that we recognize the needs of their children and value them as part of the community we hope to serve from ages 4-104.”

Preparatory materials, including a sensory guide and a pre-visit guide, will be provided to patrons so they will know what to expect from the performance. The sensory guide will include details about blackouts, loud sound effects and a sequence that may be frightening to some.

“It’s a simple and fundamental responsibility to share stories with more of our community and there’s no better place to launch than with our Theatre for Young Audiences programming,” Ivers said.