Valero Sensory Friendly Program

Why do pre-reservations close two weeks before the performance?

Generation NEXT creates a seating chart for each performance, blocking school seats together as a group and matching ADA needs with the best possible seats. We also use this time to contact patrons with any questions we have on how to make this performance the best experience possible for them.

Pre-reservations are closed! Can I still see the show?

If we still have tickets available, yes! The Box Office will be open the day of the performance and you can get tickets then. The ushers will know where the any free seats are and will work with you to put you in the best possible seat. You will know tickets are available because the web page will direct patrons to visit the Box Office the day of the event. If the performance is sold out, the web page will say so.

What to Expect the Day of the Performance

Production time shortened to 1 hour
House opens 1 hour early to provide extra time for transition into theatre
Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds
Visual, jump scares, or startle effects slowed or softened
All flash or strobe lighting reduced to a pulse
No lights shine into audience
No confetti canons or similar effects
Space throughout the theatre for standing and movement
Relaxed house rules:
- Lights to remain on, at a low level, throughout performance
- Comfort drinks and snacks allowed inside theatre
- Tablets and cellphones allowed inside theatre
- Exiting, re-entering, and movement inside theatre encouraged
- Patrons are free to talk and vocalize
Limited crowds and visitors during the day and time of performance
Specially trained staff and volunteers to support the needs of all families
Judgement free zone

I have a reservation. Where are my tickets?

All tickets for Sensory Friendly and School Time Performances are "GA," General Admission. No one has specific seats assigned to them until we generate our seating chart for the event. Tickets will be given to you in person on the day of the performance. (See the "Day of Show" email, which is sent to patrons two weeks before the show, for more information.)

Special Features

Floor Sensory Path

Series of self-guided movements to help patrons channel excess energy and movement.

Wheelchair Accessible Sensory Path

Series of self-guided movements that can be completed seated or in a wheelchair to help patrons channel excess energy and movement.

Sensory Supports Table

Free sensory tools for patrons to borrow during the performance to increase their comfort in the theatre.

Ear plugs
Sunglasses
Fidgets

Calming Center with Peaceful Place

Tranquil, controlled environment to provide patrons with a break from the excitement and sensory input of the performance.

Tables and chairs for coloring and drawing
- Standard crayons, finger crayons, universal cuffs
Gray couches with embroidered fleece blankets
Rocking chair with cushions
Giant bean bag chair
Curtain lights
Sensory Bottles
“Peaceful Place”
- Quiet corner separated by darkened curtains to further reduce environmental sensory input.

Adult Changing Room

Private room offering more space than family bathrooms for patrons to take care of their personal business.

ADA and Companion Drop-Off Area

For your convenience, we provide an ADA drop-off location (look for a blue tent) in front of the building. A companion must remain with the patron at all times.

Pre-Show Materials

Character Card
Rack card providing short plot summary and character descriptions with character images to familiarize yourself with the upcoming performance.

Meet Your Seat
A virtual opportunity to view the layout of the building and familiarize yourself with our different seating options.

Meet Your Seat

Pre-Visit Stories
Short stories containing real images of the Tobin Center describing what you will experience and what you should expect during your visit.

Visual Schedule
A compliment to the pre-visit stories. A visual schedule is a customizable template with picture flashcards that can be arranged in a sequence to help you organize and prepare for your visit.

Take a Preparatory Tour

Upon request, school groups may book a preparatory guided tour of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The "Audience Experience" tour is 30 minutes long and designed to offer young or special needs students an introduction to the experience of visiting The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. This tour includes meeting an usher, experiencing entering the building while the building is quiet, seeing the box office, seeing and hearing the ticket scanner, and entering the audience space within the Tobin Center. For more information, visit the School Tour page.

Who can attend the show?

Everyone is welcome to attend any Valero Sensory Friendly performance. There are no guest limits or requirements to participate.

How much does it cost to attend the show?

All Valero Sensory-Friendly Performances at The Tobin Center are provided at no cost to students, teachers, caregivers, and families thanks to generous contributions from Valero and additional support from The Najim Family Foundation, Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation, and The Hearst Foundations. While there is no cost for this performance, tickets are required.

What time should we arrive to the show?

It is recommended to arrive to the Tobin Center approximately 30 minutes early to ensure ample time to find a parking space and locate your seat. The Tobin Center has a parking garage located off of Fourth Street for extra parking as needed. Additionally, there will be an extended drop-off zone if you or your loved one is unable to safely travel from the parking garage to the theatre. Ushers will be available at the drop-off zone to assist with this transition as needed. If you need more time, the house doors will be open one hour before the performance.

How long does the show last?

Valero Sensory Friendly performances run approximately one hour.

If my family member is unable to sit through the entire show, will we be able to leave and come back into the performance hall?

Ushers will be located at each exit and entrance of the HEB Performance Hall to help you and your family members safely leave and come back into the space. Extra room has also been allotted within the theatre for audience members to move around as needed during the performance. The lights in the house will be slightly raised for safety.
Additionally, a quiet space with calming sensory tools has been designated within the Feik Rotunda. A movement space with sensory paths for those audience members who need extra activity to self-regulate has also been designated within the lobby. Please ask an usher for directions if you need assistance in locating any of these services. A live-streamed performance will be aired in the lobby for all to continue experiencing the show outside of the HEB Performance Hall.

Is there anything I can do to prepare my family for this event ahead of time to best support their experience?

The Tobin Center has provided a social story, virtual tour, character cards and a sensory guide for you and your family member prior to the performance. These items are available to view online or download here. Hardcopies of these materials will also be available upon request the day of the performance.

Are we able to bring food/drinks/fidgets/tablet/headphones into the performance hall?

You are welcome to bring any preferred item (seating device or cushion, fidgets, noise-reduction headphones, tablet, toy, blanket, snacks, or small drinks) from home that supports you or your family member’s comfort and sensory needs. Due to potential liability issues for our catering department, please do not bring lunches or full meals inside the Tobin Center.

Sensory tools that will be provided for use within the HEB Performance Hall during the show, include a limited selection of fidgets, sunglasses, ear plugs, and a limited number of noise-reduction headphones. These items will be located in bins in the lobby and at the Patron Services window. Please ask an usher for assistance in receiving these items. Bins to place used items will be located at all performance hall exits to ensure sanitization.

Where are accessible bathrooms and changing rooms located?

Family bathrooms are located on the lower level, grand-tier level and mezzanine level. These bathrooms offer extra room, privacy, and a child changing station. If you or your family member require more space and a larger changing station, an adult changing area located near the Carlos Alvarez Theatre will be available to accommodate these needs. A mother’s room is also located near the Carlos Alvarez Theatre to offer a private, quiet space to nurse. Please ask an usher for directions if you need help finding these spaces.

Take a Virtual Tour

Virtual Tour

Are Sensory Supports available during other performances at The Tobin Center?

A limited number of Sensory Bags, weighted lap pads, and noise-canceling headphones are always available for checkout at the Patron Service Desk. Sensory Bags contain a felt square, a fidget, sunglasses, and a set of earplugs. Noise-canceling headphones are available in both child and adult sizes.

Sensory Inclusive accommodation can be made at every show. Click here for details.

Valero Sensory Friendly Program

FAQs

Tobin Center Residents