DES MOINES — Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to announce three sensory-friendly performances as part of the 2017-2018 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Family Series. The three performances include “Air Play” on Feb. 17, “Shh! We Have A Plan” on March 24 and “Tetris” on May 12. “Air Play” will be the first sensory-friendly performance to be held at the Des Moines Civic Center. The other two performances will be held at the Temple Theater.
Tickets to the sensory-friendly performances of “Air Play,” “Shh! We Have A Plan” and “Tetris” are available now and can be purchased at DMPA.org, the Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300.
Sensory-friendly performances are geared towards those on the autism spectrum, individuals with other sensory sensitivities and their families. These dedicated performances will contain all the joy of a typical theater setting with a few adjustments to help those in attendance feel more comfortable. This will include alterations to light and sound, a variety of seating options, an environment that will encourage movement and breaks when needed, ASL interpretation, and inclusive staff that will welcome guests from the moment they arrive. Families who do not require these accommodations are still welcome to attend.
“Air Play” — Feb. 17 at Des Moines Civic Center
• 10 a.m. Sensory Friendly Performance
• 1 p.m. Public Performance
Ride the wind and dream with “Air Play,” a modern spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe. Flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen will make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts.
“Air Play” is a circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land of air, transforming the ordinary into objects of uncommon beauty. Fabrics dance in the wind, balloons have a mind of their own, confetti turns into the night sky, and an enormous canopy of hovering silk forever alters their future.
“Shh! We Have A Plan” — March 24 The Temple Theater
• 11 a.m. Sensory Friendly Performance
• 1 p.m. Public Performance
Based on the delightful Chris Haughton book of the same title, this show follows the journey of some madcap characters each of whom has a plan-they all want to capture a beautiful bird perched high in a tree! Sounds simple, but the quest becomes an obsession and the obsession becomes the absurd! Where will it all end? Join us as we follow the characters’ exploits, meet an elusive and magical little birdie and discover that perhaps freedom and kindness are more important than getting what you want at any cost.
“Tetris” — May 12 The Temple Theater
• 11 a.m. Sensory Friendly Performance
• 1 p.m. Public Performance
Inspired by the game Tetris the dancers dance with the walls, the hall.
This extremely physical dance quartet explores how we connect with one another, building a private language to communicate, and then invite others to enter into our world. The village will come alive.
It is for the kids who can’t sit still, for the ones who like to climb the walls, and those who can imagine further than they can see.
For more information about these sensory-friendly performances, visit DMPA.org.