The New York Musical Theatre Festival Launches First-Ever Autism Friendly Series This Weekend

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) launches its first ever autism friendly series, in consultation with the Theatre Development Fund's Autism Theatre Initiative, the first of its kind for a festival.

The Snow Queen - Autism-Friendly Performance

Today, July 19, 2014 at 11:00 am

The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

Rescue Rue - Autism-Friendly Performance

Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 11:00 am

Ford Foundation Studio Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

Tickets on sale now

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) is proud to announce autism-friendly performances of two family-friendly shows at the 2014 Festival. The shows are performed in a supportive environment for an audience of families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other sensitivity issues.

Slight adjustments to the production may be made, including reduction of any jarring sounds or light cues. The theatre lobby will have a quiet/activity area, staffed with autism specialists, for those who needed to leave their seats during the performance. Social narratives with pictures of the theatres and productions, designed to personalize the experience for each attendee with ASD will be available for download in advance of the performances. As with all NYMF performances, tickets are only $25, which includes one fidget toy per seat.

The Autism Theatre Initiative (ATI) at Theatre Development Fund (TDF) www.tdf.org/autism is serving as a consultant for these autism friendly productions.

"After witnessing how inclusive ATI productions are, I realized what an important initiative it is and wanted to bring it to NYMF audiences," saidDirector of Programming, Mary Kate Burke. "The spirit of this community is incredible and I am delighted that this is a new offering at our festival."

The Snow Queen How far would you go to save a friend?Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure. Join Gerda on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen's palace. Dare to enter a world where flowers sing, animals talk, and riddles yearn to be solved. With an original pop rock score, alluring ballads, urban steam punk flair, and the enigmatic Snow Queen, you'll soon see this is not your average bedtime story.

Rescue Rue Find your happily "furever" after! When a little dog named Rue wishes for a "Happily Ever After" from her Fairy Dogmother, she soon embarks on an emotional journey of self-discovery and belonging. Kicked out of her home, Rue meets new friends and enemies alike on the street and at the pound before finding her "Furever" home in NYC and realizing life is really about finding your happy beginnings, not endings! Based on a true adoption story, this family-friendly pop musical is told by a colorful cast of puppets and people. Fun for all ages!

For information about booking tickets contact (212) 352-3101 or visit nymf.org.

If you have questions about the performance or the Autism Theatre Initiative please contact autism@tdf.org.

Memberships and single tickets for the 2014 New York Musical Theatre Festival are available at www.nymf.org or by calling (212) 352-3101. For a schedule of shows, visit: www.NYMF.org/daybyday