Experience the Center in a Relaxed Environment
Upcoming Relaxed Events
MSO Holiday Pops
SAT, DEC 13, 2025 / 12 PM
Arielle Jacobs / Guest Artist
A beloved holiday tradition returns! The Center's Chorale Choir joins the Midland Symphony Orchestra for a festive celebration of the season, featuring Broadway star Arielle Jacobs (In the Heights, Aladdin, Here Lies Love). Enjoy your favorite carols and holiday classics in a joyous concert that’s sure to lift your spirit. Don't miss the Great Lakes Bay Region's signature holiday event!
The Emperor's New Clothes Relaxed Performance
SUN, DEC 14, 2025 / 2 PM
LET THE FASHION FOOLERY COMMENCE!
In this colorful and comedic Youth Theatre play, two con artists arrive in town with a daring plan to swindle a vain Emperor who just can’t get enough of his own wardrobe. With a cast of hilariously over-the-top royal advisors and a fashion show for the ages, The Emperor’s New Clothes is a laugh-out-loud tale of vanity, honesty, and the courage to speak the truth.
Directed by Nick Pellegrino
By Greg Atkins
13 Jr. Relaxed Performance
SAT, MAR 28, 2026 / 2 PM
“COOL” IS SOMETIMES WHERE YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.
Evan’s life is turned upside down when he moves from New York City to a small Midwest town, and right before his Bar Mitzvah. Desperate to fit in, he finds himself navigating crushes, cliques, and chaos in this hilarious coming-of-age musical. With a catchy rock score by Tony® Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 JR. is a high-energy celebration of friendship, growing up, and finding the confidence to be yourself.
Directed by Jenny Lowe
What is a Relaxed Performance?
Relaxed performances feature the same content and performers as other performances of a show, with some simple changes to the environment, including:
- Lower light and sound levels, with special effects like strobe lights and smoke removed
- House lights kept at a low level to allow movement around the auditorium
- House doors are kept open; audience members are welcome to stand, move around, and leave as need be
- Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, headphones, electronics, special snacks, and other support items to the show.
- A designated Take-A-Break Space available with quiet activities near the theater
- Trained volunteers on hand
- A Social Story that portrays the theatre-going experience with pictures and text
- A scene-by-scene summary of the plot of the show or a playlist of the concert repertoire
- The performance is a shush-free zone - audience members can talk quietly or express themselves freely during the performance
Sensory Friendly Backpacks
We wish to create a positive environment for people of all sensory needs when visiting the Museum of Science & Art and attending Midland Center performances. Sensory Friendly Backpacks are available to check-out during your experience. Just ask Guest Services when you arrive!
Sensory Friendly Backpacks include:
- Social story
- Stress ball
- Fidget toy
- Water toy
- Noise-dampening headphones