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Sensory-Friendly Performances

The Kennedy Center strives to make its performances and facilities accessible to all our patrons. For additional information or if you have questions, need assistance, or an accommodation not mentioned below, please contact the Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727 (voice), (202) 416-8728 (TTY), or access@kennedy-center.org.

About Sensory-Friendly Performances

Symbol Sensory-Friendly

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.

Search our calendar for a complete list of sensory-friendly performances.

Accommodations for these performances include:

  • Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds;
  • Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance;
  • A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience;
  • Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance;
  • Designated quiet areas within the theater;
  • Space throughout the theater for standing and movement;
  • Limited crowds and visitors at the Kennedy Center during the day and timing of the performance; and
  • Kennedy Center staff trained to be inviting and accommodating to families' needs.

Families will also have access to resource materials to prepare for their visit. Please contact the Accessibility Office at 202-416-8727 (voice/relay) or access@kennedy-center.org for more information.

To receive free notices about sensory-friendly performances and events at the Kennedy Center and in the DC metro region, please send your name and e-mail address to access@kenndy-center.org with "Subscribe Sensory-Friendly Alerts" in the subject line.

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Pre-Visit Materials

These stories, performance guides and tipsheets are designed to help families plan for their visit to the Kennedy Center:

New! Get to Know the KC!

Customize a pre-visit story to the Kennedy Center’s Family Theater just for you and your family!  While navigating through the website, answer a few questions to customize a pre-visit story featuring photographs and different levels of text unique to your needs. Use the “Map Location” button to pinpoint places on a map of the Kennedy Center, press the play button to have the story read aloud, and try the grid view to see what’s coming up in the story or to jump between slides. The site works on smartphones, tablets, and computers so you can build a story at home, at school, or while out and about. You can even print the story and share it online! Go to www.gettoknowthekc.org.

To learn more about this project click here!

Learn more about the Kennedy Center:

Learn more about upcoming performances:

  • Cuesheet Library - Check out these performance guides designed to help kids and teenagers prepare for upcoming performances.
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Important Phone Numbers

  • Accessibility Office:

    TTY (202) 416-8728
    Voice (202) 416-8727
    Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Information and Tickets:

    TTY (202) 416-8524
    Voice (202) 467-4600
    Out-of-Town (800) 444-1324
    Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Subscriptions Office:

    TTY (202) 416-8518
    Voice (202) 416-8500
    Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • Group Sales Office:

    TTY (202) 416-8410
    Voice (202) 416-8400
    Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Parking Garage:


    Voice (202) 416-7984
    Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Call 202-416-7987 evenings and weekends
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