Seats on the Spectrum, a new theatre accessibility initiative with support from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment that launched in collaboration with Roundabout Theatre Company and the New Victory Theater in October 2024, has been extended.
Roundabout and New Victory have both been piloting measures designed for neurodivergent audience members, including designated seats at more than 100 performances for neurodivergent audience members. Though many theatres have offered "relaxed" performances aimed at audience members with autism or other learning disabilities, the scheduling and capacity limits of these special performances often prevent many neurodivergent audience members from making it through the door.
The measures that Roundabout and the New Victory have been testing also include the development of social narrative templates to assist neurodiverse attendees in understanding and preparing for shows, dedicated seating with easy access to exits, updated front-of-house experiences designed to minimize stress and sensory overload, pre-show access and tours so neurodiverse attendees can familiarize themselves with the theatre environment, designated cozy areas for pre-performance and during performances, new training for ushers and front-of-house staff, and educational materials to increase awareness and sensitivity among general audiences.
As a part of the extension, bringing the pilot program through the end of the 2024-2025 season, an additional Off Broadway theatre, HERE Arts Center, has been added to the program.
Said Adrienne Willis, founding director of Seats on the Spectrum, in a statement, “This pilot represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the American theatre toward true inclusion of neurodivergent individuals. It's not just about offering a seat—it's about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their needs, can engage fully and authentically. We’re deeply grateful to the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment for convening the vital theatre institutions participating in this pilot, and honored that Roundabout, New Victory, and TDF have joined us in breaking down barriers that have existed for far too long.”
