Theatre Development Fund (TDF) has announced multiple shows set to participate in its Autism Friendly Performances (AFP) series over the coming months. TDF’s 15th season of performances designed to be accessible to audience members with autism, sensory disorders, communication disorders and learning disabilities will commence with “Ragtime” at 1 p.m. on July 26. This will be the first-ever AFP of the show.
An AFP of “Hadestown” will follow at 1 p.m. on Aug. 23, after which “The Great Gatsby” will hold its first AFP at 1 p.m. on Sept. 27. “Maybe Happy Ending” will host an AFP at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25, and Radio City Music Hall’s “Christmas Spectacular” will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 8. Finally, “The Lion King” will host an AFP performance at 1 p.m. on Jan. 31. Four more performances for spring 2027 will be announced.
Tickets for AFPs typically go on sale six weeks before each performance. Sales for the July 26 AFP of “Ragtime” will begin on June 17.
TDF’s Autism Friendly Performances adjust each production slightly, reducing loud and sudden noises, strobes and spotlights. House lights are dimmed but remain on throughout the show, and visual narratives and character guides may be distributed digitally to help audiences prepare for the show. Volunteers, autism specialists and break areas are available during performances. TDF has worked with access professionals, as well as consultants with autism, to design the AFP program, which began in 2011 with a performance of “The Lion King” on Broadway. For AFPs, TDF purchases every seat in each theater and makes tickets available at discounted prices to families, schools and groups that include people with autism.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the first six shows of our milestone 15th season of Autism Friendly Performances, starting with this year’s gorgeous and timely Tony-winning revival of ‘Ragtime’ at Lincoln Center Theater,” said TDF executive director Deeksha Gaur in a statement. “Our AFP program continues to grow, creating more opportunities for families and individuals impacted by autism to experience theater in a no-judgment, no-apology environment. We remain deeply grateful to our industry partners who have helped this program sustain and bloom over the past 15 years.”
“Ragtime” took home four Tony Awards during the annual ceremony on June 7, including Best Revival of a Musical and performance awards for leads Caissie Levy and Joshua Henry. It is currently set to run at Lincoln Center Theater’s Vivian Beaumont Theater through Aug. 16.
