Fort Wayne Youtheatre

The Fort Wayne Youtheatre's mission is to educate, engage, and entertain regional youth and families through theatre arts.

Our Services

Youtheatre is committed to offering programs that are accessible for both artists and audiences. We believe every child should have the chance to experience the joy and confidence that theatre can bring. Our team works to remove barriers to participation by providing accommodations, resources, and thoughtful support for students and families. Whether your child is performing in a show, attending a class, or enjoying a production from the audience, we want them to feel welcomed, included, and valued. The following services are available for all our mainstage productions, classes, and camps, and we’re continually expanding our efforts to make Youtheatre a place where every young person can shine.

Inclusive Hospitality

Youtheatre believes making theatre accessible for all includes making it financially accessible as well. Youtheatre is proud to provide Inclusive Hospitality tickets for $2 a piece, available on a limited basis per production. We recommend securing these tickets in advance of the performance you wish to attend. Inclusive Hospitality tickets are available online using the link below or by calling the ArtsTix Box Office at 260-422-4226.

Relaxed Performances

Youtheatre welcomes EVERYONE to attend a Relaxed Performance! Read below to learn what is offered at a Relaxed Performance.

Open to the Public

Relaxed performances are open to all and designed to enhance the experience for:

  • people with sensory processing disorders or other sensory sensitivities
  • families with young children
  • individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences
  • anyone who prefers a more flexible theatre experience!

Sensory Kits

Available for checkout at our Accessibility & Audiences Services table, these kits include:

  • Various fidgets
  • Sunglasses
  • Headphones & ear plugs
  • Calming strip
  • Breathing exercise

Made possible by AWS Foundation — thank you!

Venue Social Narratives

A social narrative helps individuals prepare for new experiences by showing them what to expect. These tools are especially useful when visiting unfamiliar places, like a theater. By walking through the experience step by step, social narratives can ease anxiety and support a positive visit — whether attending a performance, class, or camp.

Made possible by AWS Foundation — thank you!

Sensory Guides

Sensory Guides provide a breakdown of the scenes and songs in a show with information about different sensory impacts. These include:

  • auditory impacts (loud volume/high pitch)
  • visual impacts (flashing/strobing)
  • emotional impacts

Sensory Guides will be available at each performance and made available online.

Made possible by AWS Foundation — thank you!

Adjustments to Harsh Lighting and Sound

During Relaxed Performances, slight adjustments are made to harsh technical effects. Examples include:

  • Reducing/removing strobing and/or flashing lights, including “crowd-blinders”
  • Adjusting loud/startling sound effects
  • House lights kept at a dim glow
  • Reducing haze/fog output levels

These adjustments are show-specific and are carefully planned. Some productions do not require any modifications!

Relaxed Environment

The atmosphere of a Relaxed Performance is exactly that — relaxed! Think of it as a performance where comfort takes center stage, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

While there may be more movement and noise than at a traditional show, we firmly believe that everyone is entitled to experience live theatre in a meaningful and comfortable way.

All are welcome here.

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