Dr. Phillips Center to Host Sensory-Friendly Show Tomorrow

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will participate in World Autism Awareness Day and the "Light It Up Blue" campaign. The glass exterior walls of the Dr. Phillips Center create an exciting focal point for downtown Orlando, and tomorrow, Saturday, April 2, 2016, the iconic Wave Wall will be lit blue, flooding the surrounding area in blue light. The arts center is uniting with thousands of other landmarks, monuments and buildings across the globe in shining blue light in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. Guests attending both the FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando performance of DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ONSTAGE in the Walt Disney Theater and SPENCERS: THEATRE OF ILLUSION in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater will experience the Wave Wall prior to the performances, from the lobby. Guests without tickets to the performances are encouraged to enjoy the spectacle from the Seneff Arts Plaza.

Other Orlando monuments participating in "Light It Up Blue" include Amway Center Spire, Tower of Light, the Lake Eola Fountain and SEE Art Orlando public art sculptures Astrogenesis II, Global Convergence, Take Flight and Union. Autism Speaks participants will gather at Lake Eola at 7:30 p.m. to see the Lake Eola fountain lights.

Additionally, Dr. Phillips Center is presenting a sensory-friendly matinee of SPENCERS: THEATRE OF ILLUSION funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, in addition to a grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation. Kevin Spencer, an extraordinary magician, performs in the dazzling show that combines storytelling, grand illusion, stage magic and audience participation. Taking place in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater tomorrow, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 2 p.m., the sensory-friendly performance of SPENCERS: THEATRE OF ILLUSION is designed to create an experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. All usual elements of the Spencers' show will be in place with modified lighting and sound to enable those with sensory integration issues to better enjoy. Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance are only available through the Dr. Phillips Center Group Sales team. Please email groups@drphillipscenter.org or call 407.455.5550 to purchase tickets.

The Dr. Phillips Center provides resources to prepare individuals with autism to attend events at the arts center at https://www.drphillipscenter.org/explore/plan-your-visit/accessibility. Resources include a 'social story' video and a downloadable book.