Sensory Friendly Programming coming to Segerstrom, October 31

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Tall Stories Theatre Company in Room on the Broom - Photo copyright Helen Warner

Join a witch and her cat as they fly happily along on their broomstick – until a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK! – it snaps in two. When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? 

Tall Stories’ magical musical stage adaptation of  Room on the Broom, the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, takes audiences aboard a magnificent broom for an unforgettable adventure. With performances taking place at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on October 25 and 31 in Samueli Theater, Room on the Broom is an ideal family treat for those who love the book and as an introduction to theatre for preschool and kindergarten children and their families. Expect enchanting puppetry, sing-along songs and  fun for everyone aged three and up. The 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, October 25 will be sign-language interpreted. Sensory-friendly features will be introduced to theFamily Series for the first time during the 10 a.m. performance on Saturday, October 31. 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Tall Stories Theatre Company in Room on the Broom - Photo copyright Simon Turtle

Sensory-friendly precautions are taken to reduce sound levels, particularly loud or startling sounds; reduce overwhelming stage lighting; provide low ambient lighting in the theater throughout the performance so patrons are able to see should they need to move around or exit the theater; leave some seats unsold to allow extra room for patrons who may need to move or exit during the performance; provide social story and other preparatory materials to parents and children so they know what to expect from the performance; allow use of iPads, other tablet devices and smart phones if needed as a communication device for a child; and break spaces for those who might feel overwhelmed and need a break from the performance. For more information about the sensory-friendly features, please call (714) 556-2787 or e-mail Access@SCFTA.org and for other accessibility information, check out this link.   

Audiences are encouraged to arrive an hour before the performance for free creative activities. The Center’s Education Department offers these enriching experiences to provide young people and their families more opportunities to play together creatively. Studies show that this is critical in helping to develop the ability to think and problem solve.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Tall Stories Theatre Company in Room on the Broom - Photo copyright Helen Warner

Other Sensory Friendly programming coming to Segerstrom include: Windmill Theatre’s Big Bad Wolf (March 5-6) and Cahoots NI in Egg (March 19-20).