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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

Check back later for social stories and FAQs for each performance.
Timbalooloo

Timbalooloo
SUN, MAR 9, 2025 / 4 PM

Timbalooloo is an interactive and educational musical party that introduces children to melodies, rhythms, and instruments used by musicians across the globe. The performance starts off with a problem: Oran's friend Clara was excited to come to the concert, but she fell asleep. He brought her to the concert anyway - in her bed! The kids join Oran in singing to wake her up and discover her name is Clara Net... Oran's clarinet!

With more singing, clapping, dancing, and drumming, children see all the instruments on stage come to life and learn that making music means bringing their own character, humor, and emotion to their artistry. 

Sponsored by United Bay Community Credit Union

Recommended ages 3-8 and their families.

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Matilda

Youth Theatre: Matilda

RELAXED PERFORMANCE / SAT, APR 12, 2025 / 2 PM
AUDITIONS / DETAILS AVAILABLE Q4 2024

Inspired by the ingenious Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece about the power of imagination, anarchy of childhood, and the inspiration of a girl who dreams of a better life. Recently turned into a movie-musical, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill audiences of all ages around the world. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. Unloved by her cruel parents, tormented by headmistress Miss Trunchbull, and encouraged by her teacher Miss Honey, Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, audiences will be thrilled and delighted by the story of a special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

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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