orpheum theater a trip to the
This social story booklet will tell me what to expect when I go to see a show.
Resources available at sensory inclusive performances:
Sensory alert guide, sensory kits, wobble seats, a television in the lobby to watch the show if you need to step out from the theater, and quiet spaces with tents, bean bags, weighted items, and fiberoptic light devices.
What to expect:
House lights will remain on at a low level the entire duration, reduced sound levels, reduced use of haze/ fog, empty rows at the back of the theater to be used a movement zones for those who need more room during the performance.
hooray!
I am going to see a show at the Orpheum Theater. I will travel to the theater by car along with my family, teacher or caregiver.
When I arrive, I will be greeted by someone at the entrance who will have me get in the security line.
I will walk through security scanners when I enter, sometimes these make beeping noises. A security guard may wave a wand over my body, if not, I will keep walking to get my ticket scanned.
I may get my tickets from a person at Will Call or someone with me might have our tickets on their phone.
My tickets will then be scanned so that I can enter the lobby before the show.
We will go into the Grand Lobby where I can get snacks or a drink before the show.
Next, we might pick up a sensory kit and guide from the House Managers Desk.
showtime
When the doors open, I can find my seat.
I know if I need room to move or pace, I can use the aisles or the designated empty rows in the theater. I can also ask a staff member for help in relocating my seat to a different area for a better experience if needed. I know I am free to do what I need to, to best experience the performance.
When I hear an announcement that the show is ready to start, the theater lights may dim but they won’t turn off completely, right before the show starts.
There may be talking, singing and/or dancing on stage. Some performers may come into the seating area to sing. Some people may clap or laugh. I can clap or laugh, also.
If it is too loud, I can cover my ears or use earplugs or headphones.
The Company of the North American tour of CLUEphoto by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Look near the stage for a flashlight “alert system” to signal a sudden action or sound or light change. Light on: in 2-3 minutes there will be a sudden change or action.
When the light turns off, the sudden change has passed.
Sensory guide available at the Accessibility Desk will list each of these alert moments and detail the action.
If it is still too loud or I need a break, I can tell my family, teacher or caregiver. They may take me to the bathroom or or we can ask a volunteer to show us to a quiet space. It is okay if I need a break. I can come back and watch the show when I am ready.
For some performances, there may be a break in the middle called an intermission. This is a time I can use the bathroom, get a snack or take a break.
Elisabeth Yancey and John Shartzer in the North American tour of CLUE -
photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Everyone at the Orpheum Theater hopes that I have a great time at the show!
Access requests for any O-pa event
If I need access to a resource not listed in this sensory guide, I can contact ticketomaha@o-pa.org at least 2 weeks prior to the event, and they will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodation. If it is within the 2 weeks of the event, I can still request a specific service but there is no guarantee they will be able to provide it.
