Seeing a Broadway show is always a fun experience for families. My kids look forward to having a city day whenever we’re able to take them to a show. For the most part, we’ve seen musicals, and for weeks following the shows we always end up singing along to the soundtrack in the car.
When I learned about TDF’s Autism Friendly Performances, I knew we had to give it a try. While my daughter, E, has always done well attending shows, I knew it would be a relief to be in an environment where it was OK to make noise, take breaks and just let her be herself. I was also excited to be in a theater full of other people who, like us, were navigating life with autism and still trying to get out there and do all the things.
What is an autism-friendly show?
TDF launched its Autism Friendly Performances in 2011, and are getting ready to introduce the 14th season. The shows are performed in a supportive environment for children and adults diagnosed with autism or other sensory sensitivities and their families. Slight adjustments are made to the productions where possible, including the reduction of jarring sounds and strobe lights focused into the audience.
In the theater lobby, there are staffed break areas in case audience members need to leave their seats during the performance.
TDF purchases every seat in the theater and makes the tickets available at discount prices exclusively to families, groups and schools whose members include individuals on the autism spectrum.
“Autism Friendly Performances evolved out of a need for high support environments in these same spaces that aren’t always immediately sensory-friendly and the interest and desire from the ASD community to be included in those spaces,” says Ginger Bartkoski Meagher, VP of TDF Programs. “Broadway theaters, while beautiful, are often 100 years old and were not designed with access in mind.”
Our experience attending the AFP of Hamilton on Broadway
Earlier this summer, I took E and her neurotypical twin brother to the matinee AFP of Hamilton. As we approached the Richard Rodgers Theatre, I felt a swell of happiness at seeing the autism community out in droves. Entering the theatre, staff gave out earplugs and fidget toys and everyone was friendly and welcoming as we found our seats.
The theater was very noisy, and I watched as other families just like ours got settled. Maybe because there was a lot more activity and volume due to this audience, my daughter got overwhelmed and started to cry, which is unusual for her. My son took her to one of the designated break areas and by the time the show started they had returned to their seats, and she was calmer.
We watched and enjoyed the entire show and apart from the house lights being slightly up, it was just like seeing any other Broadway show. A few times during the show audience members exclaimed or vocalized, but this was not seen as a disturbance or interruption. Down in the orchestra, I noticed a young theatergoer dancing in the aisles. Again, this behavior was not something that had to be corrected.
“We’ve had kids dance in the aisles in pure, unfettered joy as they take in a show, and cast members who fist bump them during curtain call,” says Bartkoski. “We regularly have cast members tell us how thrilling it is to have the AFP audience in the house, to be able to see them experience the show is a whole new sensation. But more than anything, we hear from families that they can experience live theater with the whole family and not be worried about being asked to leave or follow rules that don’t work for them.”
That was definitely the vibe in the theater that afternoon, and it was so refreshing to see so many children and adults who might have otherwise stayed home singing, dancing and enjoying a day on Broadway.
And during intermission, I noticed that all restrooms were open to anyone.
Post-show treats
Following the show, we took a walk through Times Square and made our way down to Herald Square to eat at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, the place with the viral milkshakes that my son has been wanting to try. While he is such a help with his sister, I also try to remember that being in an autism environment can sometimes be overwhelming for him too. So, it was time for him to have a (huge) special treat.
E got the All American Burger while my son had the California Turkey Burger which was so extra with avocado and Swiss. They each had a CrazyShake – my son, the chocoholic, got the Brooklyn Blackout, featuring a chocolate frosted rim with mini chocolate chips topped with brownies, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. E, the vanilla girl, got the Cookie Shake, made with a vanilla frosted rim with cookie crumbles topped with a “cookiewich”: crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
This mom enjoyed a juicy Wagyu burger with bleu cheese and a cold glass of wine. The burgers are in the $22-24 range and while the shakes cost around $18 they are an event onto themselves, and we highly recommend the very Insta-worthy splurge.
The restaurant is located at 45 W. 35th Street and is worth the walk or quick cab ride from the theater district.
We left happy that we had navigated a city day together, and excited about the next time we’d be back on Broadway.
Upcoming shows/how to get tickets
Ready to plan an AFP city day of your own? Here is the upcoming schedule:
- Maybe Happy Ending – Sunday, August 17, at 1 pm at the Belasco Theatre
- The Lion King – Sunday, September 28, at 1 pm at the Minskoff Theatre
- Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – Sunday, November 9, at 10 am at Radio City Music Hall
- MJ The Musical – Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 1 pm at the Neil Simon Theatre
Additional shows to be announced
AFP tickets typically go on sale six to eight weeks before a performance and can only be purchased through TDF’s website. Individuals must create an account via this form for access to TDF AFP tickets. TDF is the only site for all AFP tickets.
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