Sensory-Friendly Performances
2025-26 Sensory-Friendly Performances
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 4:00 PM, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025
Red Riding Hood, 4:00 PM, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, 4:00 PM, Sunday, May 10, 2026
Individual tickets for these shows will go on sale online, 10:00 AM, Monday, Aug. 11, and at the ticket office at noon, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
If ticket prices are keeping you away from a show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see our productions.
At The Des Moines Playhouse, we believe that theatre is for everyone. That is why we offer sensory-friendly performances – specially designed shows that create a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental or cognitive abilities.
What is a sensory-friendly performance?
A sensory-friendly performance is a modified live theatre experience where we adjust technical elements and provide additional support to make the performance more accessible and comfortable for audience members who might find the traditional theatre environment overwhelming.
What happens during a sensory-friendly performance?
Compared to a traditional Playhouse performance, here’s what you can expect.
- House adjustments
- Lower sound levels: We reduce the overall volume and eliminate or soften sudden loud sounds.
- Lighting adjustments: Bright or strobe-like effects are eliminated. house lights are left dimmed instead of going completely dark, creating a less jarring environment.
- Open doors: House doors remain open for easy access to quiet spaces or lobby areas.
- Flexible environment
- Movement and vocalization are welcome: Audience members are encouraged to express themselves freely. Getting up, vocalizing, or using comfort tools like fidgets or headphones are absolutely acceptable.
- No shushing or judgment: Our staff and volunteers are trained to be supportive and inclusive, and so are our artists onstage.
- Supportive resources
- Social narratives and visual schedules: Families can review these in advance to prepare for the experience and reduce anxiety.
- Quiet areas available: We provide designated quiet spaces with calming sensory tools if someone needs a break.
- Shortened or modified run time when appropriate
- For select productions, sensory performances may feature a slightly shorter run time or an intermission break to better suit attention spans and comfort levels.