Lincoln Center Launches Program Geared Toward Young Audiences on Autism Spectrum

April is Autism Awareness month and this year Lincoln Center will be launching the Big Umbrella Festival, a unique program dedicated to arts programs for young people on the autism spectrum.

"Lincoln Center is not only dedicated to providing the best of the performing arts, but also to ensuring diverse and inclusive accessibility to that art,” said Debora L. Spar, President of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, in a press release. “Since we commissioned our first theater work specifically for those on the spectrum in 2013, we have had the privilege of offering sensory-friendly performances to students and families here at Lincoln Center. The Big Umbrella Festival expands our commitment to these audiences, offering performances throughout the city, special presentations by resident organizations across our campus, and a symposium to reinforce and develop the network of leaders dedicated to serving these audiences.”

The festival runs from April 10 to May 6, 2018 and will take place at Lincoln Center and the Queens Theatre.

Lincoln Center was one of the first major art institutions to commission work for children specifically on the autism spectrum. “We have been presenting theater for young audiences on the spectrum for five years,” said Russell Granet, Executive Vice President of Lincoln Center Education, in a press release. “We hear from children, parents, teachers, and artists that these experiences have a profound impact on audiences and their families. But we alone cannot fulfill the need for sensory-friendly performances here in New York or beyond. The Big Umbrella Festival will expand our performance offerings, engage partners across our campus and throughout New York City, and support other art-makers to create their own offerings for audiences on the spectrum.”

The lineup includes film screenings, concerts, and interactive music and dance workshops by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Film Society of Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Here is just some of what audience members can expect:

Up and Away

Trusty Sidekick Theater Company
April 14, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm, April 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, May 5, 6 11:30 am and 2:30 pm
Clark Studio Theater
Tickets $25