Menu
Tickets Cart Sign Out

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.

2026/27 Season

Relaxed Experiences

Holiday Pops

Holiday Pops with Dez Duron

DEC 12, 2026 / 12 PM

Celebrate the season as the Center’s Chorale Choir joins the Midland Symphony Orchestra for a festive afternoon, featuring Broadway crooner Dez Duron (Maybe Happy Ending). Enjoy favorite carols and seasonal classics in a concert filled with warmth and sing-along spirit. Don’t miss the signature holiday event of the Great Lakes Bay Region!

Sponsored by Tristar Trust

Buy Tickets

Youth Theatre / Elf the Musical Jr.

DEC 19, 2026 / 2 PM

Auditions for Grades 6 - 12 in Fall 2026

Buddy the Elf leaves the North Pole for New York City to find his dad, and turns the city upside down with his very serious Christmas cheer. Elf the Musical JR. brings the classic holiday movie to stage with fun ensemble numbers, lots of comedy, and a story with a simple uplifting message just right for young performers and audiences alike: you belong here, exactly as you are.

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum

Buy Tickets

Fantastic Mr. Fox at Midland Center for the Arts

Youth Theatre / Fantastic Mr. Fox

APR 10, 2027 / 2 PM

Auditions for Grades 3 - 8 in Winter 2026

Roald Dahl’s mischievous story comes to life in a delightful Youth Theatre play. Join Mr Fox as he tries to stay one step ahead of three truly terrible farmers. When Boggis, Bunce, and Bean decide to dig him out once and for all, Mr Fox and his neighbors band together to hatch a hilarious plan to enact revenge and build a whole new life underground. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a timely tale about family, the power of community, and finding a place to belong even when the world above feels dark.

Based on the book by Roald Dahl, dramatized by Sally Reid

Buy Tickets

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

Social Story