What is a sensory-friendly performance?

Sensory-friendly concerts are designed for people of any age on the autism spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity and their families. Concert modifications include flexible seating, relaxed house rules, and dimmed house lights remain on during the performance just to name a few.

 

When and where are these performances taking place?

The sensory-friendly performance will take place at the Bradley Symphony Center: 212 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203

 

How can I get tickets?

The Milwaukee Symphony Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm; Saturday from 12:00 noon-5:00pm, and 90 minutes before all MSO performance.

Access the Box Office using the doors on Wisconsin Ave immediately west of the Marquee entrance. Patrons may park in the loading zone while doing business in the Box Office, except 90 minutes before a performance.

Our full-service online ticket office is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering online subscription sales and renewals, single ticket sales, ticket exchanges, and gift certificate sales and redemption.

The Box Office may be contacted by email at tickets@mso.org, or by phone at 414.291.7605.

 

Who should attend this performance?

Sensory-friendly concerts are designed for people of any age with an autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivity and their families; however, all are welcome to attend. Sensory-friendly performances are a welcoming, fun experience for the entire family.

 

What changes will you be making to the production and script?

The music performed onstage will remain the same, but some of the technical elements will be softened to accommodate sensitive ears and eyes. Dimmed house lights will remain on during the performance to allow safe movement in and out of the hall. Abrupt and loud sounds will be adjusted or warned with a signal from the stage. A live feed of the concert will be playing in various areas of the Bradley Symphony Center for those who need a break from the main hall, but still want to listen to the concert.

 

What if I have special ticketing or seating needs?

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to making sure each patron is equipped to enjoy the concert at its fullest. The Milwaukee Symphony and Bradley Symphony Center has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs.

The Bradley Symphony Center has wheelchair seating available on both levels. Bariatric chairs, with a width of 30” and capacity of 800 lbs., are available upon request. Many orchestra-level aisle seats are also equipped with swing-away end panels. Please call our Ticket Office at 414.291.7605 and inform a customer service representative of your needs.

Allen-Bradley Hall is equipped with a tele-coil or T-coil Loop system. No additional assistive listening devices are required for patrons with compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants. If you do not have a compatible device, please pick up a loop receiver from the House Manager.

Allen-Bradley Hall is also equipped with an infrared listening system. Headsets are available from the House Manager.

Assistive listening devices are offered free of charge, but a driver's license or valid ID is required as security.

The Milwaukee Symphony offers Braille and Large Print program books for all performances. Please inquire with an usher when you arrive at the venue.

Sensory bags and weighted lap pads are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Coat Check Room located in the Gallery of the Pavilion. Noise canceling headphones can also be checked out individually.

 

Where can I park?

Please visit our website for directions and parking information.

 

Who can I contact for additional information about the sensory-friendly performance?

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Education department at 414.226.7885 or email at edu@mso.org.