October 2025
Sensory-Friendly Fancy Dancer at Seattle Rep on October 25 at 2 PM
Larissa FastHorse in Fancy Dancer (2025) at Seattle Rep. Scenic Design by Junghyun Georgia Lee. Production Design by Caite Hevner and Ann Slote. Photo by Sayed Alamy.
A Sensory-Friendly production of the World Premiere of Fancy Dancer will be performed on Saturday, October 25 at 2 PM at Seattle Rep. Fancy Dancer by Larissa FastHorse and directed by Chay Yew is a joint production of Seattle Rep and Seattle Children’s Theatre. FastHorse is the first female Native American playwright to have had a play produced on Broadway with her award-winning play, The Thanksgiving Play.
Sensory Accessibility Resources:
Tickets: Seattle Rep or Seattle Children’s Theatre (select 10/25 2 PM for the Sensory-Friendly performance)
Seattle Rep sensory accessibility is in partnership with Sensory Access.
Learn more about Sensory Accessibility at ndallies.org.
November 2024
Neurodiversity Allies sponsors Sensory Accessibility for The Outsiders production at Bainbridge High School
Bainbridge Island, Washington
In partnership with Sensory Access, Neurodiversity Allies is proud to sponsor and fund a Sensory Guide and Social Narrative for Bainbridge High School’s production of The Outsiders.
The show runs November 8-16. Additional information and tickets are available here: https://bisd303.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=3.
Learn more about Sensory Accessibility at ndallies.org.
2024
Sensory Accessibility at the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center
In preparation for the 2024 Bainbridge Aquatic Masters BAMFest U.S. Masters swim meet, Neurodiversity Allies is delighted to sponsor Social Narratives for both swimmers and spectators at the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center. The Social Narrative for swimmers is available here, and the Social Narrative for spectators is available here. These documents are relevant year-round for both swimmers and spectators.
Created by the experts at Sensory Access and in partnership with Bainbridge Aquatic Masters and Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, these documents add important sensory accessibility for our neurodivergent community members. Swimming can be a favorite activity, and this added accessibility improves the experience for both swimmers and their fans cheering them on.
“The Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center and BAM have been so supportive of our neurodivergent community, and we’ve also observed this to be a favorite destination for so many in our community. We are thrilled to add this additional piece of accessibility,” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy.
Special thank you to Tamara Tulou (BAM Assistant Coach and BAMFest Meet Director), Cody Ogren (Adaptive and Accessibility Coordinator, Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Rec District), April Cheadle (BAM Head Swim Coach), the BAM Board, and Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District for their enthusiastic support for inclusion and sensory accessibility.
More information about Social Narratives and other sensory accessibility is available at ndallies.org.
June 2024
Neurodiversity Allies sponsors Sensory Accessibility for Dogg’s Hamlet, Cahoot’s Macbeth at inD Theatre on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Neurodiversity Allies is proud to sponsor and fund continued sensory accessibility at inD Theatre with the upcoming production of Dogg’s Hamlet, Cahoot’s Macbeth. This production runs June 1-16, 2024 at Rolling Bay Hall on Bainbridge Island.
A Sensory Guide and Social Narrative have been created by Sensory Access.
Also in partnership with Neurodiversity Allies and Sensory Access, inD Theatre previously brought the first-ever Sensory-Friendly performance to Bainbridge Island with Cry It Out in 2023.
Reservations for the show can be made at indtheatre.org.
Learn more about Sensory Accessibility at ndallies.org.
May 2024
Neurodiversity Allies sponsors Sensory Accessibility for Once Upon a Mattress production at Bainbridge High School
Bainbridge Island, Washington
In partnership with Sensory Access, Neurodiversity Allies is proud to sponsor and fund a Sensory Guide and Social Narrative for Bainbridge High School’s production of Once Upon a Mattress.
The show runs May 10-18. Additional information and tickets are available here: https://www.bisd303.org/Page/17215
Learn more about Sensory Accessibility at ndallies.org.
December 2023
First-Ever Sensory-Inclusive Mainstage Musical on Bainbridge Island
(above) Cinderella’s Stepmother (Diane Hoeft) and Lionel, the prince’s royal steward (Brian Guy). Photo credit: Keith Brofsky.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
On December 9, 2023, Neurodiversity Allies sponsored the first-ever Sensory-Inclusive mainstage musical on Bainbridge Island: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella - Enchanted Edition. In partnership with Sensory Access and produced by Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest, the show featured a judgment-free audience environment for all patrons to express themselves in their own personal way, and some minor production modifications were made, for example toning down some of the more intense scenes in the show.
“I frequently volunteer at sensory-inclusive shows, but this was my first time actually performing in one. It exceeded my expectations. I was backstage trying to stay in character, but I kept tearing up hearing all of the outbursts of joy at unexpected moments,” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy, who played Lionel, the prince’s royal steward, in the show. “There was one patron who applauded almost continuously throughout the entire show, and it just touched the hearts of the entire cast. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had,” said Guy.
For the full announcement, please see https://ndallies.org/cinderella.
Thank you Sensory Access and Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest for your partnership in extending this magic to the entire community!
December 2023
ACT Theatre’s First Sensory-Friendly A Christmas Carol Brings Joy to All!
Seattle, Washington
On December 10, 2023, ACT Theatre presented its first-ever Sensory-Friendly production of A Christmas Carol! Neurodivergent patrons were able to express their joy in a judgment-free audience and with sensory accessibility optimizations added to the production.
“This show required significant work and teamwork. When [ACT Theatre Managing Director] Anita [Shah] and I first discussed this idea back in March, she was so passionate about doing this, and one of her board members told me later they had actually been wanting to do this for a while,” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy. This project involved collaboration with Sensory Access and with Seattle Theatre Group.
Neurodiversity Allies had 3 board members in attendance at this inclusive event. From left to right are board members Adriana Wright (who attended on behalf of Seattle Theatre Group), Christie Rotarius, and Valerie Ryan Miller.
Neurodiversity Allies is grateful to ACT Theatre, Sensory Access, and Seattle Theatre Group for extending the magic to more community members!
Find other upcoming recommended Sensory-Inclusive shows at ndallies.org.
December 2023
Multiple Island-Based Nonprofits Team Up to Bring Sensory-Friendly Holiday Concert to Neurodivergent Community Members
Bainbridge Island, Washington
(above) Matilda Thulin (Executive Director, Bainbridge Island Island Special Needs Foundation), Wendi Olinger (Crescendo Choir Director, Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest), Brian Guy (Co-founder, Neurodiversity Allies), and Kellie Creamer (Executive Director, Vitalize Kitsap) with the Ovation! Crescendo Choir
(above) Crescendo choir director Wendi Olinger addresses the patrons prior to the performance.
On December 6, 2023, the Crescendo choir from Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest performed a private sensory-friendly holiday concert for the members of both Vitalize Kitsap and Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation’s The Stephens House. The latter two organizations provide services for neurodivergent community members in the Kitsap County region.
“Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, and today one of those dreams came true, thanks to amazing teamwork!” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy. “I am so grateful to Deb for hosting, Matilda for transporting folks over, and of course to Wendi and the choir for providing incredible entertainment and joy!” said Guy. Deb Buitenveld is co-founder of Vitalize Kitsap, Matilda Thulin is Executive Director of Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation, and Wendi Olinger is the Crescendo choir director for Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest.
“This was actually my first time seeing Crescendo perform, and they are quite good!” said Guy. For more details about Crescendo, visit https://www.ovationmtb.com/crescendo.
For more information about Vitalize Kitsap, visit https://vitalizekitsap.org.
For more information about Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation, visit https://www.bispecialneedsfoundation.org.
For media inquiries, contact info [at] ndallies.org.
Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation Executive Director Matilda Thulin, Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy, and Vitalize Kitsap co-founder Deb Buitenveld celebrate the performance.
November 2023
Bainbridge Island Review coverage
2023
Community Update to City of Bainbridge Island City Council
November 2023
Broadway World coverage of Sensory-Inclusive Cinderella
October 2023
Broadway World coverage of Sensory-Friendly Cry It Out
November 2023
Photo credit: Keith Brofsky
Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest First To Bring Sensory-Inclusive Mainstage Musical to Bainbridge Island
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 2 PM
Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest, in partnership with Sensory Access and Neurodiversity Allies, is proud to announce the first-ever Sensory-Inclusive mainstage musical on Bainbridge Island. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella - Enchanted Edition, with music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs, and directed by Scott Breitbarth, will have a Sensory-Inclusive performance on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Bainbridge High School Theatre on Bainbridge Island. A Sensory Guide for the show and a Social Narrative for the venue are also available, as is standard practice with Sensory-Inclusive performances.
“Inspired by the acclaimed 1997 teleplay starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, this version of the magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance,” according to Concord Theatricals.
“Inclusion for neurodivergent community members is personally very important to me, and it's an honor to be directing the first-ever sensory-inclusive mainstage musical on Bainbridge Island!” said Breitbarth.
Neurodiversity Allies and Sensory Access also recently announced the first-ever sensory-friendly mainstage play on Bainbridge Island, Cry It Out at inD Theatre. Sensory-Friendly and Sensory-Inclusive performances both provide relaxed, judgment-free audience experiences. A Sensory-Friendly performance also modifies the production.
Margaret Johnston, producer and Board President of Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest, added, “One of Ovation!'s priorities has always been to make theatre as inclusive as possible, and we're thrilled to partner with Neurodiversity Allies and Sensory Access to make our beautiful production of Cinderella more accessible to our local neurodivergent community members.”
“It is so exciting to see Sensory Accessibility finally arrive to theatres on Bainbridge Island,” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy. “Not everyone can afford to travel to Seattle or New York to see a Sensory-Inclusive performance, and I believe this accessibility is even more important to have at our local community theatres. It’s the result of a lot of hard work by many volunteers that we now have two theatres on the island (inD Theatre and Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest) stepping up to prioritize inclusion and accessibility for their mainstage productions. Neurodiversity Allies is proud that we were able to help make this happen. Anyone and everyone should be able to enjoy live theatre,” Guy said.
Seattle-based Sensory Access helps organizations all over the world implement Sensory-Accessible productions, and co-founder Dr. Daniela Ferdico added, “Our goal at Sensory Access has always been to help remove the barriers neurodivergent individuals face when accessing the arts. The sense of community we build when we share moments in live music and theatre are priceless, and it is critical to have such accessibility available not only at the largest venues but also at the small community stages. We are so happy to help bring this experience and inclusion to Bainbridge Island for the first time.”
To purchase tickets to the Sensory-Inclusive performance of Cinderella, please select the December 9 matinee. For the standard performance, please visit ovationmtb.com. To see other upcoming recommended Sensory-Inclusive shows in the Seattle area, please visit ndalllies.org.
To learn more about Sensory Accessibility, please visit sensoryaccess.org and ndallies.org.
Media inquiries: info [at] ndallies.org.
November 2023
inD Theatre First To Bring Sensory-Friendly Mainstage Play to Bainbridge Island
Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 7 PM
inD Theatre, in partnership with Sensory Access and Neurodiversity Allies, is proud to announce the first-ever Sensory-Friendly mainstage play on Bainbridge Island. Cry It Out, by Netflix’s Maid creator Molly Smith Metzler and directed by Zandi Carlson, will have a Sensory-Friendly performance on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 7:00 PM at Rolling Bay Hall on Bainbridge Island. A Sensory Guide for the show and a Social Narrative for the venue will also be available, as is standard practice with Sensory-Friendly performances.
“As a person in the neurodivergent community, I am proud that we are taking actionable steps to be more accessible and inclusive, so that everyone can enjoy theatre. We can’t wait to share this show with you,” said Carlson.
Matt Eldridge, producer and co-founder of inD Theatre, added, “We’re delighted to partner on presenting a Sensory-Friendly performance. Making our productions as accessible and inclusive as possible to everyone in the community is one of our most important guiding principles.”
“Sensory-Accessibility is increasingly a priority for arts organizations, and neurodivergent community members should be able to enjoy live theatre in the main auditorium alongside their community,” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy. “Sensory-Friendly performances are how theatres make this happen. While Sensory-Friendly performances have been taking off in larger cities, including Seattle, smaller community theatres don’t always know how to get started nor how to pay for it,” added Guy. “We created Neurodiversity Allies to help bring this accessibility and inclusion to more theatres, including community theatres. Anyone and everyone should be able to experience live theatre.”
Seattle-based Sensory Access helps organizations all over the world implement Sensory-Accessible productions, and co-founder Dr. Daniela Ferdico added, “Our goal at Sensory Access has always been to help remove the barriers neurodivergent individuals face when accessing the arts. The sense of community we build when we share moments in live music and theatre are priceless, and it is critical to have such accessibility available not only at the largest venues but also at the small community stages. We are so happy to help bring this experience and inclusion to Bainbridge Island for the first time.”
To secure reservations for Cry It Out, please visit indtheatre.org/cry-it-out. For the Sensory-Friendly performance, please select the November 9 show (or click here to proceed directly to the Sensory-Friendly show reservations page). To see other upcoming recommended Sensory-Inclusive shows in the Seattle area, please visit ndalllies.org.
To learn more about Sensory Accessibility, please visit sensoryaccess.org and ndallies.org. To learn more about Sensory-Friendly performances, visit ndallies.org/terminology.
Media inquiries: info [at] ndallies.org.
November 2023
inD Theatre First To Bring Sensory-Friendly Mainstage Play to Bainbridge Island
Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 7 PM
inD Theatre, in partnership with Sensory Access and Neurodiversity Allies, is proud to announce the first-ever Sensory-Friendly mainstage play on Bainbridge Island. Cry It Out, by Netflix’s Maid creator Molly Smith Metzler and directed by Zandi Carlson, will have a Sensory-Friendly performance on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 7:00 PM at Rolling Bay Hall on Bainbridge Island. A Sensory Guide for the show and a Social Narrative for the venue will also be available, as is standard practice with Sensory-Friendly performances.
“As a person in the neurodivergent community, I am proud that we are taking actionable steps to be more accessible and inclusive, so that everyone can enjoy theatre. We can’t wait to share this show with you,” said Carlson.
Matt Eldridge, producer and co-founder of inD Theatre, added, “We’re delighted to partner on presenting a Sensory-Friendly performance. Making our productions as accessible and inclusive as possible to everyone in the community is one of our most important guiding principles.”
“Sensory-Accessibility is increasingly a priority for arts organizations, and neurodivergent community members should be able to enjoy live theatre in the main auditorium alongside their community,” said Neurodiversity Allies co-founder Brian Guy. “Sensory-Friendly performances are how theatres make this happen. While Sensory-Friendly performances have been taking off in larger cities, including Seattle, smaller community theatres don’t always know how to get started nor how to pay for it,” added Guy. “We created Neurodiversity Allies to help bring this accessibility and inclusion to more theatres, including community theatres. Anyone and everyone should be able to experience live theatre.”
Seattle-based Sensory Access helps organizations all over the world implement Sensory-Accessible productions, and co-founder Dr. Daniela Ferdico added, “Our goal at Sensory Access has always been to help remove the barriers neurodivergent individuals face when accessing the arts. The sense of community we build when we share moments in live music and theatre are priceless, and it is critical to have such accessibility available not only at the largest venues but also at the small community stages. We are so happy to help bring this experience and inclusion to Bainbridge Island for the first time.”
To secure reservations for Cry It Out, please visit indtheatre.org/cry-it-out. For the Sensory-Friendly performance, please select the November 9 show (or click here to proceed directly to the Sensory-Friendly show reservations page). To see other upcoming recommended Sensory-Inclusive shows in the Seattle area, please visit ndalllies.org.
To learn more about Sensory Accessibility, please visit sensoryaccess.org and ndallies.org. To learn more about Sensory-Friendly performances, visit ndallies.org/terminology.
Media inquiries: info [at] ndallies.org.