Coterie Social Narrative for Teen Audiences
What to expect when you see a show at The Coterie
In addition to the following social story, The Coterie offers show specific social stories for a more detailed outline of audiences’ experiences. These are made available as soon as possible after opening night of each production.
We are excited you are coming to see a show at The Coterie Theatre.
The Coterie is located inside of Crown Center.
When you get to Crown Center, you might walk in from outside at Crown Center Square or from the parking garage.
It might be loud in Crown Center. You are welcome to protect your ears or bring earphones.
Crown Center is large, and sometimes can be crowded.
It has many different stores, restaurants, and attractions.
There might be strong smells of food cooking.
When you arrive to see the show, first find The Coterie’s lobby.
You might have to stand in line to wait to buy tickets at the Box Office or wait in line to get checked in before you go inside the theater.
There are many different things to look at on the walls in the lobby.
You can also see posters of all the upcoming shows for this season.
Once you get checked in, you might pick your own seats, or a person called the House Manager might show you where to sit.
If you need to use the restroom before the show, there are family restrooms in Crown Center by the escalators across from The Coterie.
There are also sensory kits available to check out from the box office.
You can use the items in this kit before, during, and after the show, and return them to the box office window before you leave.
*These kits are available on a first come, first serve basis.
When the show begins, you will hear an actor’s voice sharing some reminders for the pre-show announcement.
After this short recording, the will show start.
Lights, sounds, scenery, costumes, and props will all be used to help the actors tell the story.
Sometimes there can be bright lights or loud noises.
These moments might be modified for our Sensory Friendly Performances.
Sometimes the audience will be loud too, as they react and clap at parts of the show. You are welcome to react and clap for the play too!
If these moments get too loud, you are welcome to cover your ears or wear headphones.
If you need to take a break at any point, you can step back out into the lobby. Find the exit sign and walk out of the theater.
When you are ready to go back in, visit the box office so you can be reseated.
You will know the show is over when the actors bow during curtain call.
It may be loud as people will clap and cheer.
After the show is over, the lights will come back on and everyone will exit the theater.
The aisles may be crowded as everyone exits. Please be patient as you may have to wait to use the aisle and exit through the doors.
If you liked the show and want to do more, take a brochure in the lobby before you go to learn more about The Coterie’s shows and classes.
We hope you enjoy your time at The Coterie!
Social narratives created by The Coterie’s Education Department. Production photography by Paul Andrews, and Jim Vaiknoras.
