This year’s Special Needs Matinee is a sensory-sensitive performance of Disney’s Newsies, presented on Thursday, July 31 at 1pm
Geared towards children in our community with special needs, the Special Needs Matinee is a sensory-sensitive performance. Elements like strobe lighting have been cut, and house lights will not darken completely. Sounds throughout the show will also be softer than usual. Attendees are welcome to experience the performance authentically, and needn’t worry about vocalizations disrupting fellow theatre-goers or performers. The Special Needs Matinee is free to all attendees, including families and caretakers.
Altered Elements
ASL Interpretation
Attendees requesting ASL interpretation will be seated closest to the interpreter.
Adjusted Sound Levels
Sound levels have been adjusted throughout the show, including softer vocals and effects, as well as minimizing jump scares or emphasis added through audio. Assisted listening devices are also available at Century II.
Accessible Seating
There are a limited number of wheelchair-accessible seats available in Century II. If you or a member of your party requires one of these seats, please indicate this on your show registration! Once all wheelchair spots are filled, a waitlist will be made available for any changes that occur as the show approaches.
Adjusted Lighting Levels
Lighting elements have been adjusted for this performances, including cutting strobe lights, and leaving house lights partially on throughout the show.
Ticket Pricing
Because of the support of the Beach Foundation and Lattner Family Foundation, we are able to offer this show completely free of charge!
Transportation
Arrangements have been made for waived parking fees, as well as routes and free parking for buses/ 15-passenger vans.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Those with special needs or disabilities along with their families (ages 3 and up) and/or caretakers, and individuals who face economic or geographical barriers to attending shows are welcome to attend this unique performance of Disney’s Newsies!
If your group is NOT arriving via bus, you may park in Lot C in front of the Expo Hall at the corner of Main and Waterman or in the lot at the corner of Century II Drive and Main. Please note that parking payments are NOT REQUIRED in Lot C on Thursday, July 31. You will see instructions on how to pay parking fees at each spot, but these fees have been waived for the Special Needs Matinee.
Please note that charge for parking in spots with a physical meter is waived when a Handicapped placard is properly displayed.
If your group is arriving via bus or 15 passenger van(s), please instruct your driver to enter Century II Drive via Douglas Ave and follow the blue arrows on the map into the drop-off zone directly in front of Century II. Please be sure to not block any crosswalks or wheelchair ramps. Following drop-off, buses may park in the free lot south of Century II at the corner of Waterman and Water. Buses/vans may return to the drop off zone after the show for pick up. Bus/van drivers are welcome to attend the show after parking.
Door entries will be assigned and sent out one week prior to the show to ensure your group enters the concert hall on the side closest to your seats. Your arrival time is also correlated with your seats, so please be sure to arrive on time, and find your seats as quickly as possible, so we can be sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the show!
If you arrive at Century II later than your assigned time slot, please still enter through the same door listed in your Arrival and Seating Information email! However, as a courtesy to our audience and performers, late arrivals will be seated by a volunteer usher at appropriate times as designated by the management of the theatre.
Unfortunately, due to the high number of students and groups we expect to attend this show, we are unable to offer holds on tickets, but you are welcome to pass along the sign-up information to them!
In consideration of our patrons and performers, babies and toddlers (ages 3 and younger) will not be allowed at the Matinee.
Music Theatre Wichita welcomes service animals to any performance and patron areas. Service animals must remain under control by leash, harness, or voice commands. For any additional questions, please speak with the box office or the Patron Services Manager. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Other species or animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals either.
If you do not remember your seat assignment or bus information, there will be a table with information in the center of the Century II lobby between House Left and House Right where you can get assistance. Please only send one person from your party to the information table for inquiries.
Questions?
For any questions or clarifications, please call (316-265-3253) or email admin@mtwichita.org.
