The Theatre Development Fund (TDF) has begun opening doors to the autistic community. In an effort to make Broadway shows more accessible, TDF has launched an Autism Friendly Performances program — for example, the program recently held a special performance of “MJ the Musical” for families impacted by autism. Ginger Meagher, vice president of TDF Programs recently spoke with the AmNews about this marvelous opportunity to expose more young people to Broadway. The following Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
AmNews: What is your name and title with the Autism Friendly Performances program that TDF offers?
GM: I’m Ginger Meagher, VP of TDF Programs, and I work with our Accessibility team and Lisa Carling, Director of Accessibility.
AmNews: What does an autism-friendly entail, within the performance and throughout the theater?
GM: Autism Friendly Performances mean that folx who are on the spectrum, and their families, are welcomed as they are in a stigma-free environment with professional support and clinical considerations. TDF provides those supports to help everyone in the theater have the best day possible. TDF believes that theater belongs to everyone, and that it is our goal to remove the barriers to theater going. This often looks like making sure that tickets are affordable, and is certainly the case in this instance, it also means preparing the theater space and the creative aspects of the show to be as welcoming as possible for the folx who are coming to see it. This can mean adjustments to lights and sounds, considerations around the intensity of effects or content, and making sure the house staff and the cast are prepared to welcome and work with the audience. We create resource materials for the pre-show experience that let families explore the content, the physical theater space, and prepare for their day and what they can expect. We have a fabulous host of volunteers who create break out and quiet spaces and are on hand to offer supports like fidgets, ear defenders, warm welcomes, and trained support.
AmNews: What are the reactions of the families and kids when they come to a special performance like this?
GM: The reactions are much like any other special day out with the family — joy, community, a sense of belonging and feeling cared for, being a part of a theater going community and being welcomed into a space that feels familiar and safe is paramount to everyone’s success at any show! We’ve had some special moments with cast members and audience members in harmony with one another, exploring the art together. Families and caregivers often express relief and genuine thanks for being in a space where they don’t feel othered, and where they can enjoy the wonder of theater with their whole family without fear of judgment.
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AmNews: What types of discounts are available?
GM: These performances are carefully scaled so that the maximum ticket price is half of what an average Broadway ticket costs. We also make sure that there are tickets given to selected communities and students so that we can curate theater lovers across a broad spectrum and create a diverse and inclusive audience.
AmNews: Why should more Broadway shows make Broadway accessible to families in this situation?
GM: EVERY SINGLE PERSON who attends the theater has a special relationship with the art, with their own humanity, and with their empathy building muscles — and every single person should have the opportunity to experience that in a way that is inclusive and hospitable. So many of the best practices that are put into place for an AFP benefit all the folx that come to the theater, not just our neurodivergent friends. Making theater more accessible and diverse builds audiences for the future that will continue to support the art and make the theatrical community — and the theater community is a brave space for folx from all walks of life, making art, seeing art, supporting art.
AmNews: What effect do you hope the program will have on the young people who will participate?
GM: We hope they develop a love of live arts, that they carry that with them into their lives and families and continue a lifelong habit of being a part of the theater community.
AmNews: How can families get involved in this program?
GM: Families can become part of our Autism Friendly Performances show offerings by signing up at www.tdf.org.
Please be aware that there are special programs coming up. World Autism Day is April 2, and the remaining AFPs this season are first-time shows “& Juliet” on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 1 p.m. and “Hamilton” on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 1 p.m.