Big Apple Circus Schedules Performances for Children with Special Needs and Autism

Details: Parent Category: Other Festivals; Category: Dance; Published on Friday, 13 October 2017 15:04; Written by Ellis Nassour

The Big Apple Circus, beloved by thousands since its 1977 debut, returns to Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park October 27 – January 7. Also returning are their community outreach programs, Circus of the Senses and a performance for children with autism.

BACCoSClownNose Circus of the Senses has its beginning in 2007 when theater executive Anne Tramon arranged for Broadway theatres to invite blind students for audio-descriptive performances. It was such a success that the Big Apple Circus asked her to expand the program for special family shows.

Big Apple Circus will host two Circus of the Senses for those blind, deaf, with vision impairment and cognitive challenges: 75-minute school matinees November 2nd and 3rd at 11 A.M. [all seats priced at $10].

These feature an exciting, multi-dimensional performing arts experience, integrating theater, dance, and live music with the circus arts. There will be ASL-interpreted performances for children with visual, auditory, and sensory impairments and hands-on experiences with Big Apple artists, and Jenny Videl’s rescues dogs and horses. In addition, there’s pre- and post-show touch therapy experiences, Braille programs, and large print books.

Tramon’s company G Pass provides wireless infared assistive listening devices with live audio narration by ASL Interpreters.

BACCoSHorse On Saturday, November 18 at 11 A.M. there’ll be a performance for children with autism, which will feature live audio description and sensory adaptations for ASD patrons and their families that include modifications to sound and lighting, and a professionally-staffed calming area. Fox TV news anchor Ernie Anastos will be welcoming the audience as guest ringmaster.

For more information, individual tickets and group pricing and pricing for
November 18, contact Lisa Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

As part of the Big Apple Circus outreach initiative, there will be eleven Circus for All initiative performances throughout the ten-week run. Every seat in the house will be offered to underprivileged children and underserved schools for $10 tickets.