Sensory-Friendly Experience of Disney's THE LION KING

MINNEAPOLIS—Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that it will be offering a sensory-friendly performance of Disney’s THE LION KING for individuals with sensory, social and learning disabilities, and their families on Saturday, July 30 at 2 p.m. Minneapolis is the fifth city in the country to present such a performance of this show, joining New York, Boston, Houston and Pittsburgh. This marks the first-ever sensory-friendly performance of a touring Broadway show in Minnesota. Tickets and information are available now online atHennepinTheatreTrust.org/SensoryFriendly or by calling 866-276-4884.

Saturday, July 30, 2 p.m. - Orpheum Theatre
Ticket prices start at $49
All pricing includes a Building Restoration Fee of $4.00

“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy live theatre,” said Tom Hoch, Hennepin Theatre Trust’s CEO/President. “We’re excited to work with Disney to enable all audiences to experience this award-winning show.”

Modeled after a successful performance of THE LION KING sponsored by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway, the Trust’s sensory-friendly experience provides a supportive environment for the audience. Slight adjustments to the performance will be implemented. For example, jarring sounds will be reduced and strobe lights focused into the audience will be eliminated. In addition, the 

Orpheum Theatre lobby will offer quiet spaces and activity areas for families, there will be standing and movement accessibility throughout the theatre, and sensory objects including fidgets, earplugs and noise canceling ear-muffs will be provided. Trained staff and volunteers will be available to offer encouragement and assistance to patrons.

The Trust is working closely with Disney Theatrical Productions and Fraser, Minnesota’s largest provider of autism services, to offer patrons with sensory, social and learning disabilities the opportunity to enjoy this world-class production in a welcoming and supportive environment. An advisory committee of local educators, therapists and community experts are guiding efforts to identify and reach appropriate audiences, develop alternative activity areas during the performance, and recruit and train volunteers.

Patrons will receive illustrated guidance materials and have an opportunity to become familiar with the theatre and their seat locations before they attend the show. They will also be encouraged to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects and support items to the theatre to use during the performance.

“We’ve enjoyed collaborating with Hennepin Theatre Trust to provide expertise and guidance on techniques to make the theater experience sensory friendly,” said Diane S. Cross, Fraser President and CEO. “This initiative will directly benefit individuals with special needs by providing a theatrical experience that may not be typically accessible.”

This sensory-friendly experience is made possible by an access grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Trust is independently raising additional funds to underwrite other expenses related to the performance.

Disney’s THE LION KING will play the Orpheum Theatre July 5-Aug. 7, 2016, and is part of the 2015-2016 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season. For more information, please visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

In its 19th year, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 22 global productions have been seen by more than 85 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years. Translated into eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Mexico City; and on tour across North America and Japan, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe.  Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST is a nonprofit organization dedicated to arts-inspired community cultural development. The Trust is the owner of the historic Orpheum, State, Pantages and New Century theatres, which are located in WeDo™ ― the West Downtown MPLS Cultural District.

FRASER is Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of autism services. Fraser also provides services for mental health and other developmental disabilities for children and adults with special needs through healthcare, education and housing.

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BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include On Your Feet, View from the Bridge, Beautiful, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com.