A new initiative aimed at making theatre friendlier to neurodivergent audience members has been launched: Seats on the Spectrum. The initiative will first partner with TDF, Roundabout Theatre Company, and New Victory Theater.
Roundabout and New Victory will both pilot measures designed for neurodivergent audience members for a year. Chief among them will be offering designated seats at more than 100 performances for neurodivergent audience members.
Though many theatres have offered "relaxed" performances aimed at audience members with autism or other learning disabilities, Seats on the Spectrum founding director Adrienne Willis says such measures are inefficient. "As the mother of a child on the spectrum, I know first-hand the barriers to entry in our shared cultural spaces," says Willis. "Too often, the conversation around neurodivergence focuses on challenges rather than solutions. And while a handful of accessible performances during the run of a particular theatre production is a wonderful first step, it can unwittingly further marginalize and segregate a chronically underserved community. Imagining the sense of inclusion and the palpable joy Seats on the Spectrum will generate among this same community is the driving force behind the initiative we’ve undertaken. To have Roundabout Theatre Company, the New Victory Theater, and TDF—leading lights in the industry—and government officials rally around this shared cause gives me so much hope for the future.”
The measures that Roundabout and the New Victory are testing out also include the development of social narrative templates to assist neurodiverse attendees in understanding and preparing for shows, dedicated seating with easy access to exits, updated front-of-house experiences designed to minimize stress and sensory overload, pre-show access and tours so neurodiverse attendees can familiarize themselves with the theatre environment, designated cozy areas for pre-performance and during performances, new training for ushers and front-of-house staff, and educational materials to increase awareness and sensitivity amongst general audiences.
The initiative was developed via a year-long inquiry process that invited autistic individuals, caregivers, government representatives, physicians, and theatre representatives to work together to identify places of need and possible solutions.
"My time performing on stage and screen has made me passionate about the role of theatre to advance social and medical goals," says Tony-winning actor Kelli O'Hara, part of the planning cohort. "This spirit must now extend to ensuring greater inclusion for theatregoers with autism and their caregivers. Attending a Broadway or Off-Broadway performance is a singular experience: Sharing the magic of live performance with family and friends creates indelible memories and exposes young people to the myriad of careers unpinning the vast theatre economy. The Seats on the Spectrum pilot program recognizes that everyone can enjoy a theatrical performance, and that other cultural sectors are lightyears ahead of ours when it comes to including people with autism and other forms of neurodivergence on a day-to-day basis. Individuals with ASD and their families will need the support of theatre artists and institutions, and I am honored to be part of the effort.”
The program is the latest iteration of a non-profit established in 2000 by philanthropist Solange MacArthur. Past work includes the Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts in Catskill, New York, which allowed theatre and dance artists with space for technical rehearsals culminating in out-of-town workshops and premieres.
"For far too long, performing arts patrons on the autism spectrum have not had the opportunity to enjoy Broadway and Off-Broadway shows commensurate with neurotypical patrons," shares New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "Their access has been limited to laudable but infrequently staged performances that are geared to individuals on the spectrum. The time has come for theatres’ practices to be updated so that when someone on the spectrum wants to see a show they are able to do so. Given the complexity of this endeavor, I applaud Seats on the Spectrum for bringing together a diverse group of leaders in the field: people on the autism spectrum, their family members and caregivers, medical experts, advocates for the autism community, managers of leading performing arts venues, and experts that have successfully integrated people on the spectrum into their business activities. Seats on the Spectrum aims to lead the way in setting standards that will be adopted across the country and beyond. The overall audience experience will be improved, and the economic footing of the American theatre will be strengthened as more patrons will have access to performances.”
“Our partnership with Seats on the Spectrum helps us to prioritize this work and bring it to the next level," adds New 42 President and CEO Russell Granet. "This fall, 10,000 school kids and 20,000 kids and their caregivers will benefit from the services enhanced through this partnership, furthering our aim to bring extraordinary arts and cultural engagement to all of New York City's young theatregoers. By engaging deeply in this work, we can envision a theatre landscape that is accessible for all at every performance.”
