VSA Arts program changes
Here is one more reminder that VSA Minnesota has shut down.
- The Accessible Arts Calendar and other VSA Minnesota’s arts accessibility resources move to the Minnesota Access Alliance, a collaborative group of accessibility coordinators based at the State Arts Board (https:// mnaccess.org/, or https://calendar.mnaccess.org, 651-539-2689.
- Services for artists with disabilities, including the Open Flow Forum gatherings, will also be provided by Springboard for the Arts. Contact Andy Sturdevant at 651-294-0907 or www.springboardforthearts.org
- School arts residencies for students with disabilities and teaching artists will be handled by Julie Strand at COMPAS, www.compas.org, 651-292-3249, 651-292-3254.
- Access Improvement Grants are now in the hands of the Metro Regional Arts Council: www.mrac.org, 651-645-0402; or Scott Artley, Accessibility Program Director, 651-523-6384.
- Accessibility assistance can be found through the Minnesota State Arts Board (www.arts. state.mn.us, 651-215-1600 or 800-866-2787), regional arts councils and disability organizations such as the Minnesota Council on Disabilities (www.disability.state.mn.us, 651-361-7800, 800-945-8913).
Aubergine
Park Square Theatre presents the story of a Korean family facing death and changes, at Park Square Theatre, Andy Boss Thrust Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat, Oct. 18-19 and 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 20. Assistive listening devices available. Tickets AD/ASL/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40, $55; previews $27, $37). Other discounts available. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org
The Glass Menagerie
Guthrie Theater presents Tennessee Williams’ story of fragile illusions in a Southern family, at Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD and OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 11. AD and ASL offered 1 p.m. Sat, Oct. 12. Sensory tour available at 10:30 a.m. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 18. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for OC (regular $15-93). FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org
The Hollow
Trademark Theater presents a world premiere production about the dualities of human nature and the mysticism of the outdoors, at Tek Box, in the Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts, 516 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ASL and AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 10. Tickets $20. Discounts available. FFI: www.trademarktheater.org
The Rocky Horror Show
Park Square Theatre presents the sci-fi fantasy and a chance to do the time warp, at Park Square Theatre, Mainstage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. Assistive listening devices available. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 11. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 13. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 25; 6 p.m. Sat, Oct. 26 and 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 27. AD/ASL/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $55-$70). Other discounts available. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org
Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams
Children’s Theatre Company presents a unique circus, Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams, at Children’s Theatre, United Health Group Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis. AD and ASL offered 7 p.m. Fri, Oct. 11. SF 7 p.m. Fri, Oct. 18.
SF performances provide a supportive and welcoming environment for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities. Features include reduction of loud or jarring sounds, reductions in flashing or strobe lights, modification of the house lights, audience members are free to talk or move during the show, extra staff and volunteer support, designated quiet room and take a break space, and guidance and sensory supports (fidgets, earplugs, noise cancelling ear-muffs) available in the lobby before the show. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects and extra support items to the show. Families may select their own seats. If special assistance or a buffer seat is needed, call 612- 874-0400 or email access@childrenstheatre.org. For pre-visit resources, go to www.childrenstheatre.org/plan/sensory-friendly-programming. Children’s Theatre Company uses dynamic ticket pricing. To reserve ASL/ AD seating, visit: https://my.childrenstheatre.org and click on the ASL or AD link at the bottom of the page. Assistive listening devices, induction loop system, Braille programs and sensory tours available upon request. Discounts available. FFI: 612-874-0400, www.childrenstheatre.org
Gloria: A Life
History Theatre presents the story of the life of Gloria Steinem, at 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL and AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 13. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 19 and 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 20. Specify services needed. The accessible entrance is on the east side of the building off Cedar Street. The theatre hassix spaces for wheelchairs, plus companion seats. Hearing enhancement devices and Braille or large print playbills are available. Tickets reduced to $25 for OC/AD/ASL patrons (regular $25- 56). Discounts available. FFI: 651-292-4323, www.historytheatre.com
Jimmy and Lorraine: A Musing
Pillsbury House Theatre presents a meditation on the American political climate of the late 1950s, at Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 12. Tickets are pick-the-price (regular $25). FFI: 612-825-0459, www.pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org
The Most Happy Fella
Skylark Opera Theatre presents a delightful musical productions, at the Historic Mounds Theatre, 1029 Hudson Road, St. Paul. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 12. Tickets $50. Discounts available. FFI: Ticketworks, 612- 343-3390 or 1-888-779-0079, www.skylarkopera.org
Sensory Friendly Sundays at the Walker
Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, hosts Sensory Friendly Sundays, 8-11 a.m. Sun, Oct. 13. It is a monthly, free event for kids, teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities and their families, offering the opportunity to make art together, explore the galleries, watch a short film, or just hang out in a different setting. The galleries will be closed to all other visitors, allowing guests to enjoy the museum in a safe environment where accommodations such as quiet spaces, headphones and fidgets can be provided. In order to ensure an optimal experience and avoid crowds, reserve space ahead of time online. This program was created in consultation with AuSM and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program. Upcoming dates Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. FFI: 612-375-7610, www.walkerart.org
Gallery tours in ASL at the Walker
Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls, offers free gallery tours in ASL. Next dates are 6 p.m. Thu, Oct. 17 and Nov. 21. No reservations required. A different exhibit is viewed each time. FFI: 612-375-7564, www.walkerart.org/calendar/2019/gallery-tours-in-asl
Bakken Museum Sensory Friendly Sunday
Sensory Friendly Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. the second Sunday of every month. Next date is Oct. 13. 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis. The days allow people with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences to have an enjoyable and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Events will include modified programming for diverse sensory needs and specialized staff training. Bakken Museum is the world’s only library and museum devoted to medical electricity. Its SF program was developed in consultation with AuSM. The museum will continue be open to the general public from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun. Activities are free with museum admission, which starts at $10 for adults and includes discounts for children and seniors. FFI: www.thebakken.org
Mozart the Adventurer
Minnesota Orchestra and conductor Osmo Vänskä present a relaxed performance for audiences of all abilities, at 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. ASL, OC, SENS offered 2 p.m. Sun, October 13, Noon pre-concert lobby activities and 3 p.m. post-concert lobby activities. Pre-concert lobby activities are free. The concert itself has a range of ticket prices. FFI: 612-371-5656, www.minnesotaorchestra.org
Mike Birbiglia: The New One
Actor Mike Birbiglia shares his hilarious take on parenting, at Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington, St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 17. ASL and AD offered 2 p.m. Sat, Oct. 19. Tickets start at $39. Braille, large-print programs and infrared listening systems available at Patron Services in Ordway’s first level lobby. If using ASL or Captioning, recommended seating locations (subject to availability) are ORCH-RGT G 307-310, ORCH-RGT H 308-311, ORCH-RGT J 309-312. FFI: 651-224- 4222, www.ordway.org/accessible-performances
Comedy of Errors
Theatre in the Round Players presents a twist on Shakespeare’s comedy about long-lost twins, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 20. Tactile tour at 1 p.m. upon request based on reservations. Large-print programs and assisted-listening devices available at every performance. Tickets $22. Discounts available. FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org
Science Museum Sensory Friendly Sundays
Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, hosts Sensory Friendly Sundays, 9 a.m. Sun, Oct. 20. Early access to galleries, and a lights-up, sounds-down Omnitheater show, which starts at 9 a.m. Tickets $8.95 to $24.95. Discounts for individuals, families and groups with limited incomes and free for working direct support staff when visiting with a client. Other tools for making a museum visit successful for visitors with autism and other sensory processing issues include pre-visit social narratives available for download online, SF companion scripts for Omnitheater films, noise-dampening headphones, SF visitors’ guide, and a renovated wellness room designed to give visitors a private, out-of-the-way space to nurse a child, pray or simply recharge away from the hustle and bustle of a busy museum. Located on Level 4 near the Native American exhibition, the room is outfitted with soft lighting, a door that locks, a changing table, rocking chair, and other seating. Ask at the exhibits entrance for sound dampening headphones, a timer, or a kit containing headphones, fidgets, gloves, and sunglasses. It is available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. The program was created in consultation with AusM. FFI: 651-221-9444 or 800-221-9444, www.smm.org
Pipeline
Penumbra Theatre presents the story of a young student who is caught in two worlds, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 26. Tickets $40. Discounts available, including for ASL tickets. FFI: 651-224-3180, boxoffice@penumbratheatre.org
Spark! Tour for People with Memory Loss
At 10 a.m. on the first Tue of every month the historic James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, offers a sensory-based tour designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Each themed tour, usually an hour or less, highlights three rooms and is followed by an optional social time until 11:30 a.m. with pastries and coffee. Private group tours available for care facilities. Next tours Tue, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. Free but reservations required. FFI: 651-297-2555, www.mnhs.org
Open
Walking Shadow Theatre Company presents a story of a complex magic act, at ArtBox Theater, 4200 E. 54th St., Mpls. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 24 and 2 p.m. Sun, Nov. 3, ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sun, Oct. 27. Tickets $10-38. ASL/AD patrons pay what one can, $5 minimum in advance; $1 minimum at the door on space-available basis. Brown Paper Tickets: online or 800-838-3006. All seating is general admission. The front row of the auditorium is wheelchair accessible. If additional seating requirements or accommodations, contact 612-375-0300, www.walkingshadow.org
Horn and Piano Duo
Minnesota Orchestra presents an inclusive SF concert at 11 a.m. Sat, Oct 26 at Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. It features Minnesota Orchestra horn player Brian Jensen, pianist Charles Scarborough, and talented guest musicians from the audience. It is hosted by Lyndie Walker, MT-BC, of Toneworks Music Therapy Services. The concert takes place in a relaxed environment where audience members are welcome to be who they are and enjoy music with family and friends. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones and quiet spaces are available at all SF concerts, and attendees can also access online preparatory materials fur weeks before the concert. Stand-alone chairs provide for flexible seating and open space is available for those who wish to sit on the floor or move around the room. Doors open at 10 a.m. Tickets $6.25. FFI: 612-371- 5656.
Snow White
Children’s Theatre Company presents a unique adaptation of the classic fairy tale, at Children’s Theatre Company, Cargill Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL offered 7 p.m. Fri, Nov. 1. SF offered 7 p.m. Fri, Dec. 6. SF performances provide a supportive and welcoming environment for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities. Features include reduction of loud or jarring sounds, reductions in flashing or strobe lights, modification of the house lights, audience members are free to talk or move during the show, extra staff and volunteer support, designated quiet room and take a break space, and guidance and sensory supports (fidgets, earplugs, noise cancelling ear-muffs) available in the lobby before the show. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects and extra support items to the show. Families may select their own seats. If special assistance or a buffer seat is needed, call 612-874-0400 or email access@ childrenstheatre.org. For pre-visit resources, go to www.childrenstheatre.org/plan/sensory-friendly-programming. Children’s Theatre Company uses dynamic ticket pricing. To reserve ASL/ AD seating, visit: https://my.childrenstheatre.org and click on the ASL or AD link at the bottom of the page. Assistive listening devices, induction loop system, Braille programs and sensory tours available upon request. Discounts available. FFI: 612-874-0400, www.childrenstheatre.org
