Sensory Friendly Performance on Saturday Designed to Welcome Children on Autism Spectrum

As part of the UtahPresents 2015-16 Season, University of Utah Youth Theatre will perform Miss Nelson is Missing!, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the beloved children’s book by Henry Allard and James Marshall, at Kingsbury Hall on the University of Utah campus on Friday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids and are available at utahpresents.org or by calling 801-581-7100.

The 11AM performance on Saturday is a sensory friendly performance, designed to create an atmosphere that is friendly and welcoming to families with children on the autism spectrum or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. Though all families are welcome at all three performances, the 11AM Saturday sensory friendly performance will include some additional resources and accommodations, including a guide to visiting the theatre to help prepare children, lower sound level when needed, especially for loud or startling sounds, and house lights remaining on at a low level in the theatre during the performance.

Starring a cast of 14 young people, ages 8 to 18, Miss Nelson is Missing! tells the story of the kids in Room 207, who are always misbehaving. Miss Nelson can’t control her crazy classroom because she’s just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp. With the Big Test approaching, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they’ll do anything – including hiring a private eye – to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.

About UtahPresents

For the curious who want to experience artistic creativity pushed beyond the stage, UtahPresents ignites dialogue, explores issues and ideas, catalyzes innovation, and connects us.  View the full season at utahpresents.org.