Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is pleased to offer sensory-friendly performances designed especially for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or other special needs.
What makes these performances sensory-friendly? Our sensory-friendly performances feature a supportive, judgment-free environment with relaxed theater rules. Adaptations to our sensory-friendly performances include the following:
- Dimmed house lights (30% brightness during the entire performance)
- Lower sound levels
- Elimination of startling special effects and lighting
- Relaxed theater rules—freedom to get up, move around, and come and go as you desire
- Designated quiet area
- Trained and informed dancers, staff, ushers, and other volunteers to ensure a memorable experience for you and your family
Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker

Friday, December 16, 2022, 2 p.m. | Schuster Center
Join Clara, accompanied by her gallant Nutcracker Prince, on a dreamy trip to the Land of Sweets, where she meets Mother Ginger, the Marzipan Shepherdesses, Ribbon Candy, the Dew Drops, and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dashing Cavalier.
Cost: $5 per child, $7 per adult
Pre-Performance Resources
We hope these pre-performance resources will help you and your family prepare for your performance.
2022 Nutcracker – FAQ and Welcome Letter
2022 Nutcracker – Program and Characters
Visual Check List
Non-Visual Check List
Sensory-Friendly Magic Carpet Concert: Maestro Stu Saves the Zoo

Thursday, March 2 at 11:15 a.m. | Masonic Center
Stu falls asleep every night listening to the symphony of animal sounds from the zoo next door, but one day a greedy businessman says that he wants to tear down the zoo to build a mall. Listen and watch as Maestro Stu and the animals work together to save the zoo!
Cost: $5
Pre-Performance Resources
We hope these pre-performance resources will help you and your family prepare for your performance.
2023 Magic Carpet – FAQ and Welcome Letter
2023 Magic Carpet – Social Narrative
Visual Check List
Non-Visual Check List
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions regarding Sensory-Friendly performances.