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
Holiday Pops: Relaxed Performance
DEC 17, 2022 / 3 PM
Guest Artist: Ali Ewoldt
Broadway star, Ali Ewoldt, hosts this annual Midland Center tradition. Ali made her Broadway debut as Cosette in the first Broadway revival of LES MISÉRABLES, and has since starred as Christine in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway, as well as Maria on tour in WEST SIDE STORY. Ali’s powerful voice will be joined by the Choirs of the Center singing all of your favorite seasonal tunes, backed by your own Midland Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss this signature event of the Great Lakes Bay region’s holiday season!
Click here for a social story for this Holiday Pops performance.
Click here for a Q&A for this Holiday Pops performance.
Guest Artist: Ali Ewoldt
Broadway star, Ali Ewoldt, hosts this annual Midland Center tradition. Ali made her Broadway debut as Cosette in the first Broadway revival of LES MISÉRABLES, and has since starred as Christine in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway, as well as Maria on tour in WEST SIDE STORY. Ali’s powerful voice will be joined by the Choirs of the Center singing all of your favorite seasonal tunes, backed by your own Midland Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss this signature event of the Great Lakes Bay region’s holiday season!
Click here for a social story for this Holiday Pops performance.
Click here for a Q&A for this Holiday Pops 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