TDF expands autism-friendly Broadway season to ten productions
The Book of Mormon, Wanted, Hamilton and Wicked are joining TDF’s autism-friendly Broadway programme in 2027. The additions complete a ten-production season, its largest so far. Alongside designated dates, the programme offers adjustments to sound and lighting, staffed break areas and advance visual information for autistic audience members and people with other sensory or developmental needs.
Arts··Midday
Four Broadway productions complete the season
Theatre Development Fund, the New York nonprofit known as TDF, has added four Broadway productions to its Autism Friendly Performances programme. The Book of Mormon is scheduled at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on 28 February 2027, followed by Wanted at the James Earl Jones Theatre on 14 March. Hamilton returns at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on 16 May, and Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre on 13 June. The Book of Mormon joins the programme for the first time. TDF describes the resulting ten-production season, its fifteenth, as the largest it has offered.[1], [2]
Sound, lighting and lobby space are adapted
The designated performances welcome autistic audience members and people with sensory or communication differences and intellectual, cognitive or developmental disabilities, together with families and friends. Where possible, productions reduce startling sounds and strobe lighting aimed into the audience. Staffed areas in the lobby allow people to take a break from their seats during the show. Advance visual information includes photographs of the theatre and the production. TDF buys every seat for these performances and makes them available at reduced prices to eligible families, schools and groups. The arrangements belong to the specific autism-friendly performances within the season.[1]
The programme began with The Lion King in 2011
The season has already included Ragtime, Hadestown, The Great Gatsby and Maybe Happy Ending. Their designated performances took place on 26 July, 23 August, 27 September and 25 October respectively, before the newly announced dates for the following year. Its remaining previously announced events include the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes on 8 November and The Lion King on 31 January 2027. TDF began its autism-friendly performances with The Lion King in 2011. Founded in 1968, the organisation also offers captioning, sign-language interpretation and audio description within its wider accessibility work. It advises productions preparing sensory-adapted shows and runs educational programmes for students with hearing or sight loss. TDF developed the accessibility information website TheatreAccess.NYC with The Broadway League.[1], [2]
