As some of you may know, next month is Autism Awareness Month. While currently celebrating their 25th year, the BLUE MAN GROUP plans to continue their annual partnership with AUTISM SPEAKS including a pledge to contribute a minimum of $25,000 with sensory-friendly performances in each U.S. location, including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York City and Orlando!
According to a recent press release “We are overjoyed that Blue Man Group is continuing their partnership with Autism Speaks,” remarked Peter Morton, Autism Speaks vice president of corporate development. “This is an initiative that not only raises funds and awareness but also provides families with the unique opportunity to experience Blue Man Group in a setting that meets their needs. We are grateful for this commitment to the autism community.”
Blue Man Group plans to collect donations for Autism Speaks all throughout Autism Awareness Month. Show-goers will have the opportunity to donate at the Boston, Chicago and New York City locations.
As I mentioned above, it is beyond exciting that each production will offer a sensory-friendly show on select dates throughout the year! A percentage of proceeds from those shows will benefit autism awareness. For these shows, there will be slight modifications including reducing sound and light levels at various moments during the performance and making headphones available upon request. The Blue Men also plans to limit the amount of direct interaction with the audience, sticking with a more subdued approach. I love that they want to create a calming environment in the theater’s lobbies for when families need a break from all the excitement of the show!
Sensory-friendly performances:
- Las Vegas: Sunday, June 12
- Boston: Sunday, June 26
- Chicago: Sunday, Oct. 2
- New York City: Saturday, Nov. 5
- Orlando: January 2017
Light It Up Blue Video
As part of the partnership, Blue Man Group will encourage others to “Light It Up Blue” with a video created specifically for the Autism Speaks annual fundraising drive. Check it out below…
Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder has this to say in a recent press release, “Creating a version of our show that is more accessible for families affected by autism has been a very meaningful experience for us. We are thrilled to provide a safe and welcoming environment and are often quite moved by the emotional response to the show.”
The fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S., autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys. Characteristics include social challenges, communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors. As a non-verbal, visually-stunning show, Blue Man Group serves as a great fit for all children and families.
The sensory-friendly performance schedule can be found at blueman.com/autismspeaks. Be sure to connect with Blue Man Group on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or the hashtag #DareToLive.
Will your family enjoy a Blue Man Group performance this year?
All opinions are 100% my own.
We had the privilege of attending one of their shows! We just loved them.
I have wanted to see one of their shows for years now and something always comes up. I have seen them perform on tv.