DPAC Announces Special Autism-Friendly Performance Of ELF

DPAC has announced its second autism-friendly performance since 2016 with Elf: The Broadway Musical which will take place on Saturday, December 8 at 10 a.m. In an effort to allow all families in the Triangle to enjoy the magic of live theater, this special autism-friendly performance will be presented in a tolerant and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum or other sensitivity issues with their loved ones.

Tickets start $28.50 (+ taxes & ticket fees) and go on sale Saturday, August 4 at 10 a.m.:

- Online at DPACnc.com/elfautismfriendly
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Ticket Center at DPAC: 919.680.2787, 123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
- Ticketmaster.com / Ticketmaster Charge by phone at 800.745.3000

"Our first autism-friendly performance with Grinch in 2016 was incredibly successful and loved by everyone in the community," said Megan Rindoks, Community Outreach Manager at DPAC, "so I am very happy that we can again extend the opportunity to all to experience the magic of live theater."

DPAC will work in conjunction with the national ELF team to make slight adjustments to the production. There will be less loud noises and flashing lights that could be challenging to some audience members. In addition to the adjustments made in the show, DPAC will have designated areas to help make the experience more enjoyable for those with autism and other sensitivity issues including:

- Sections of the lobby will serve as quiet areas for guests who may need to leave their seat during the show

- On-site volunteers will be on hand to assist families as needed as they arrive at DPAC and throughout the performance

- Detailed instructions and character comparison hand-outs will be available to download for caregivers to view and print at home that will outline in words and pictures the experience that families will undergo during their visit to DPAC for the show

For more information or if you have questions regarding this autism-friendly performance, please visit DPACnc.com/elfautismfriendly or contact Megan Rindoks, Community Outreach Manager, at mrindoks@dpacnc.com.

Special thanks to Theatre Development Fund's Autism Initiative for serving as an advisor, www.tdf.org/autism

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

Since its opening in 2008, DPAC has become the center for live entertainment in North Carolina. Recognized for its contemporary design, DPAC features 2,700 seats, intimate sightlines and state-of-the art sound and video. Listed annually among the top venues in the country by multiple publications that track attendance and live event sales, DPAC is currently the #2 ranked theater in the U.S.

With a mission of presenting one-of a-kind live entertainment events, DPAC truly has "something for everyone," hosting over 200 performances a year including spectacular touring Broadway productions, high-profile concert and comedy events, family shows and the heralded American Dance Festival. Owned by the City of Durham and operated under the direction of Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM), since 2011 DPAC has been listed the #1 performing arts organization in the region by the Triangle Business Journal.

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