SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES

In developing our sensory-friendly performing arts program, ArtsRock desires to create an inclusive arts experience in order for all audience members to enjoy the wonders of the performing arts. Our sensory-friendly performances are inclusive and open to all children and families with all abilities and challenges. They are, however, designed specifically to accommodate the needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers. We have tried to create a space where all feel welcome and able to enjoy the show.

HOW WE MAKE OUR SHOWS SENSORY-FRIENDLY

• Lights on during the show but at a dimmed level
• Lower volume of speakers without surprising audio level changes
• Acceptance of talking and making noises during the show
• Break areas for audience members
• Acceptance of children leaving their seats and moving around theater with supervision
• Support staff onsite to answer questions and accommodate needs to the best of our ability
• Managed crowd size so as not to be overwhelming

REFUND POLICY
ArtsRock will relax its refund policy for our sensory-friendly shows. It you are unable to attend due to a medical or behavioral challenge please contact the box office for refund options or credits.

SENSORY FRIENDLY CURATOR
Jeffrey Friedberg MT-BC, LCAT is a NY State licensed creative arts therapist, a board certified music therapist and the leader of the award-winning The Bossy Frog Band. He has curated family programming for ArtsRock for 10 years. He has taken a special interest in developing ArtsRock's sensory friendly shows and increasing access to the performing arts for all children and families.

THE SHOW
Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Haitian-American jazz vocalist Claudia Eliaza perform Dan's most loved songs as well as the children's music of folk icon Lead Belly which is featured on Dan's latest CD, Lead Belly, Baby! The shows are highly interactive. The audience is always invited to sing and dance along in what might be called a casual, and subversively educational, party atmosphere. The music, based in a variety of folk traditions, is homespun, sophisticated, and artful. These shows have broad appeal and the duo is adept (and well loved) in school settings. Claudia's background as a board certified Music Therapist has given the duo additional ways to find meaningful connections and grow a wider audience.

Dan Zanes - vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica, percussion
Claudia Eliaza - vocals, flute, trombone, percussion, guitar

Performances usually include many of the following songs:
The Rock Island Line
Jump Up
Red Bird
All Around The Kitchen
Ha-Ha This Away
Catch That Train
Take This Hammer
Stewball
Wonder Wheel
Julie Ann Johnson
El Canario
So Glad I'm Here
Coney Island Avenue
More Yet
Skip To My Lou
Relax Your Mind
Boll Weevil
La Siren