Big Apple Circus to Host Autism-Friendly Performance at TD Bank Ballpark, 3/2

Big Apple Circus has joined with world-renowned Autism Spectrum Disorders experts to adapt The Grand Tour for families with members on the spectrum and create a joyful experience for all. The adapted show includes the same world-class artistry as the full performance with a shorter running time, adjusted lights and sound, a calming center, pictorial social narratives, and specially trained staff and volunteers to assure a memorable event for everyone!

The GrandTour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on its own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances.

This special performance, a 75-minute abbreviated show, will take place on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 11am. All tickets to this performance are half price ($10-$50). For more information or financial assistance, please call (646) 616-6816.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to alter the regular show to accommodate children with
special needs. This was the first circus that we were able to take my niece to, and it was all thanks to Big Apple Circus! Thank you again!" - Preston House

"I did notice some of the changes, like the house lights and the clown doctors, but I was really impressed with how subtle the other adjustments were. I felt like nothing was lost in the performance quality, so for some acts I actually wondered how it was different from the standard show. Congratulations!" - Ladan Hamidi Toosi, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

For wheelchair or special seating needs, please call customer service at 800.922.3772. For more information about accessibility at every Big Apple Circus performance, please visit: www.bigapplecircus.org/accessibility.

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism performances are supported in part by the Frank J. Antun Foundation, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, Roy A. Hunt Foundation, James T. Lee Foundation, Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, The Rudin Foundations, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Shubert Foundation, AXA Foundation, and with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. Additional support was provided by Big Apple Circus members.

The GrandTour runs from February 12, 2016 to March 13, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigappplecircus.org.