Sensory-Friendly Performances
Peter Pan
May 15, 2027 | 10:30 AM
Belle Mehus Auditorium
Experience the magic of Peter Pan in a more relaxed, welcoming theater environment.
This special one-hour performance features lower sound levels, softer lighting, fewer sudden effects, and a live narrator to help guide the story. Guests are welcome to move, vocalize, leave their seats, or take a break whenever needed.
The shorter format also makes this a wonderful first theater experience for toddlers, preschoolers, and young families.
Same story. Same dancers. A little more flexibility.
Choose the seating that’s right for your family:
Everyone attends the same performance. We’ve simply created two seating areas so guests can choose the experience that works best for them.
MAIN FLOOR | Sensory-Friendly & Accessible Seating
Main Floor seating is reserved for individuals who benefit from sensory or accessibility accommodations, along with their families and caregivers.
Choose the Main Floor if someone in your group benefits from:
- Extra room or easier access to exits
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Freedom to move or change position
- A more flexible theater experience
- Sensory accommodations
Have a toddler or preschooler who also benefits from sensory accommodations? Choose the Main Floor.
Use code SENSORY when reserving tickets.
BALCONY | Young Family Seating
The Balcony is a great choice for families attending with toddlers and preschoolers who want a shorter, relaxed introduction to live theater but do not require the sensory or accessibility accommodations of the Main Floor.
Families can enjoy the same narrated, one-hour performance in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Narrated live by Miss Sparkles:
Generously Sponsored By:
What is a Sensory-Friendly Performance?
We’ve adapted both the performance and the theater environment to make the experience more comfortable and predictable.
A Shorter, Easy-to-Follow Performance
- Approximately 60 minutes
- No intermission
- Live narration throughout the performance
- Pre-performance materials to help guests prepare for their visit
A Relaxed Theater Environment
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Guests may move, stand, or leave their seats as needed
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Vocal reactions and self-expression are welcome
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Guests may leave and return to the theater during the performance
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Designated quiet areas are available for anyone who needs a break
There is no expectation that everyone sit completely still or remain completely quiet. We want each guest to experience the performance in the way that works best for them.
Softer Lighting
- House lights remain on at half brightness
- Stage lighting changes are kept to a minimum
Lower Sound Levels
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Overall sound levels are reduced
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Sudden or surprising sounds are limited
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Noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs are welcome
Guests are also encouraged to bring familiar sensory tools, fidgets, weighted items, or other comfort objects that help make the experience enjoyable.
Who Is a Sensory-Friendly Performance For?
Sensory-Friendly Performances are created for children and adults who benefit from a more flexible theater environment, including individuals with sensory sensitivities, autism, developmental or cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, and other sensory or accessibility needs.
Families, caregivers, and support persons are warmly invited to attend together.
If traditional theater or movie experiences have been difficult, overwhelming, or simply haven’t felt like the right fit, this performance offers another way to experience live dance.
Movement is welcome. Vocal reactions are welcome. Taking a break is welcome.
Our goal is simple: to create a supportive, judgment-free experience where more people can enjoy the magic of live performance.
Prepare for Your Visit
Knowing what to expect can make a new experience much easier. We’ve created resources that families can review before arriving at the theater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which seating should I choose?
Choose Main Floor seating if someone in your group benefits from sensory or accessibility accommodations. Family members and caregivers may sit with them.
Choose Balcony seating if your family is attending primarily because you would like a shorter, narrated, more relaxed introduction to live theater for a young child.
If your young child also benefits from sensory accommodations, choose the Main Floor.
How do I reserve Main Floor tickets?
Use the code SENSORY when reserving tickets to access Main Floor seating.
How do I reserve Balcony tickets?
Balcony tickets are available for families with young children and other guests who do not require Main Floor sensory or accessibility seating.
Is wheelchair seating available?
Yes. Twenty wheelchair spaces are available on the Main Floor for this performance.
How long is the performance?
The performance is approximately one hour with no intermission.
Guests are welcome to leave their seats or step out of the theater at any time.
How early should we arrive?
The theater doors open 30 minutes before the performance. Arriving early gives guests time to enter at their own pace, find their seats, become familiar with the theater, and settle in before the performance begins.
What should we bring?
Bring whatever helps make the theater experience comfortable for you or your family.
Guests are welcome to bring sensory supports such as:
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Noise-cancelling headphones
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Earplugs
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Fidgets
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Weighted blankets or lap items
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Comfort objects
Can we use mobile devices?
Yes. Mobile devices and tablets may be used on low volume when needed for communication, regulation, or support.
Please be considerate of nearby guests when using screens.
Photography and video recording are not permitted during the performance.
Can we leave the theater during the performance?
Absolutely. Guests may leave their seats at any time and return when they are ready.
Designated quiet areas are also available for guests who need a break from the performance.
Where is the performance?
Belle Mehus Auditorium
201 N 6th Street
Bismarck, ND 58501
The theater is located at the corner of 6th Street and East Broadway Avenue in downtown Bismarck.
Where can we park?
Several parking options are available within a short walk of the Belle Mehus Auditorium, including:
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Parkade Parking Ramp at 6th Street and Broadway Avenue
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Sixth & Thayer Parking Ramp
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Galleria Parking Ramp at 7th Street and Broadway Avenue
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On-street parking throughout downtown Bismarck
Please allow extra time for parking and entering the theater at a comfortable pace.
How will I receive my tickets?
When purchasing tickets, you may choose to receive them electronically or pick them up at Will Call at the theater on the day of the performance.
Questions Before Your Visit?
We’re happy to help you determine which seating option is right for your family or answer questions about accessibility and accommodations.
Northern Plains Dance
dance@northernplainsdance.org
701.530.0986