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Experience the Center in a Relaxed Environment

Midland Center for the Arts is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment that makes live performance and our museums accessible to those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental and physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders, PTSD, and for other sensory-sensitive people with their families.

Upcoming Relaxed Events

Youth Theatre: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Relaxed Performance / OCT 28, 2023 / 2 PM

It’s Halloween night and Will invites his friends up to the attic to tell spooky stories. When the group of children find a copy of THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW in an old trunk, they decide to act it out using only things found in the attic. This inventive and theatrical retelling of Washington Irving’s classic tale is perfect Halloween fun for the whole family. THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, published in 1820, tells the story of Ichabod Crane and his attempt to win the heart of his love, Katrina Van Tassel. This comical and ghostly tale follows Crane through the town of Sleepy Hollow, NY, where he is visited by a mysterious ghost, the Headless Horseman.

By Christopher Castanho, adapted from the story by Washington Irving.
Recommended for children ages 8-15 and their families.

Sponsored by Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.

Click Here for a Q&A about this Relaxed Performance
Click Here for the Social Story for this Relaxed Performance

Midland Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops

Relaxed Performance / DEC 9, 2023 / 3 PM
Abby Mueller, Vocalist

Broadway star Abby Mueller hosts our annual Midland Center tradition. Her breathtaking voice will be joined by the Choirs of the Center caroling all of your favorite seasonal tunes, accompanied by your own Midland Symphony Orchestra. Abby originated the role of Queen Jane Seymour in the Tony ® Award-winning smash hit SIX: THE MUSICAL on Broadway, originated the role of Carole for the First National Tour of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, and reprised that critically acclaimed performance on Broadway. Other credits include KINKY BOOTS on Broadway and extensive regional roles, including Fantine in LES MISÉRABLES, Eliza in MY FAIR LADY, Ellen in MISS SAIGON, and Abigail Adams in 1776. Don’t miss this signature event of the Great Lakes Bay region’s holiday season.

Click Here for a Q&A about this Relaxed Performance
Click Here for the Social Story for this Relaxed Performance

Youth Theatre: Frozen Jr

Relaxed Performance / FEB 24, 2024 / 2 PM

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, DISNEY’S FROZEN JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, DISNEY’S FROZEN JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez DISNEY’S FROZEN JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. MTIshows.com.

Recommended for children ages 4+ and their families.

Click Here for a Q&A about this Relaxed Performance
Click Here for the Social Story for this Relaxed Performance

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