The New Victory Theater 2016-17 Season includes
Autism-Friendly, Sign-Interpreted and Audio-Described Performances
Off-Broadway Theater Offers Several Accessibility Services All Season
New York, NY (October 11, 2016) The New Victory Theater, New York City’s premier performing arts venue dedicated to bringing kids to the arts and the arts to kids, offers numerous performances with accessibility services throughout the 2016-17 Season. At no additional cost to patrons, select performances will include additional support services to enhance the theatergoing experience for audience members with special needs.
The New Vic hopes to make kids regular theatergoers at an early age, including kids who have special needs. An atmosphere of inclusion and support is fostered at all of these performances where everyone is welcome, whether they use these specialized services or not. The New Victory, an ADA compliant venue, looks forward to welcoming families of all abilities to return to the theater again and again to enjoy world-class performing arts together.
- About Autism-Friendly Performances
In consultation with Autism Friendly Spaces, select performances of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Mother Africa: My Home, Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! and Something will include adjustments to the technical aspects of the show, quiet areas in the lobbies and Autism specialists throughout the theater to assist as needed.. See attachment for more specific modifications.
- About Sign-Interpreted Performances
To accommodate theatergoers who are deaf or hard of hearing, sign language interpretation will be provided by Hands On for Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Chotto-Desh, Jason Bishop Straight Up Magic, Mother Africa: My Home, Oh Boy!, Elephant & Piggie’s We Are In A Play!, Water On Mars, Aging Magician, Something, Nivelli’s War, The Way Back Home, Grug and the Rainbow. Sign-Interpreted accessible seating locations are sold through HandsOn.org.
- About Audio Described Performances
For patrons who are blind or visually impaired, a trained audio-describer will explain the action on stage during gaps in the dialogue at select performances of Oh Boy!, Aging Magician and Nivelli’s War. Personal headsets are available at Concessions before the show and may be used from any seat.
Look for sign-interpreted and audio-described icons on the New Victory website show calendars for specific dates and times. All seats are subject to availability. Please call New Victory Ticket Services at 646.223.3010 for complete details.
General Ticket Information
Ticket prices start at $16 based on show and seat location. Tickets are available online at www.NewVictory.org and by telephone at 646.223.3010. The New Victory Theater box office (209 West 42nd Street) will be open Sunday and Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.
About The New Victory Theater
The New Victory celebrates its 21st season of bringing kids to the arts and the arts to kids as New York City’s premier theater devoted to the highest quality performing arts for kids and families. Serving the community in all its diversity, The New Victory Theater on 42nd Street presents theater, dance, circus, opera and music from around the world at affordable ticket prices. In addition to its public performances, the New Vic is also the largest provider of live performance to NYC school kids, serving 40,000 youth through more than 200 schools, after school programs and day camps each year. The New Victory has been recognized for its contributions to the cultural landscape of the city. Awards include a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award presented by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities for the NEW VICTORY Usher Corps, which provides paid employment to approximately 50 NYC teens each year, the national Arts Education Award from Americans for the Arts and a Special Award from The Drama Desk for “providing enchanting, sophisticated children’s theater that appeals to the child in all of us, and for nurturing a love of theater in young people.”
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More Information about Autism-friendly Performances
In order to make the show more accessible to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, modifications for autism-friendly performances include adjustments to the technical aspects of the show, quiet areas in the lobbies and specialized training for the Front of House staff and ushers; more specifically, New Vic performances will be adapted in the following ways:
- Sound in the production will be lowered and staff will warn of any upcoming loud noises during the show.
- Lights in the seating area will be dimmed rather than fully dark during the performance.
- A Relaxed Atmosphere allows patrons to talk and vocalize as they wish, as well as leave and re-enter the seating area as needed.
- An Activity Area will be available with a live video feed of the show, coloring sheets and fidget toys if patrons need to take a break from the seating area.
- A Calming Corner will be available with fidget toys and bean bag chairs if patrons need a quiet place to relax.
- Autism Specialists will be available throughout the performance to provide assistance as requested or needed.
- A Family Restroom (gender-neutral) will be designated.
- Online Resources, such as social narrative and character guides, will be available to help prepare audiences in advance of attending the shows.
Additionally, families who have never been to The New Victory Theater are invited to “meet their seat” in advance of each performance and explore the lobbies and seating areas. Interested families should call 646.223.3023 to arrange for a time.
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