Coterie Social Narrative
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed:
The Rock Experience
A rockin’ show about being comfortable in your own skin — or suit!
Based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience is a charming rock ‘n roll parable that uses energetic songs and quirky characters to encourage young audiences to embrace their originality. Wilbur and all his fellow naked mole rats in the Tunnel have always been, well… naked. Wondering about other possibilities, Wilbur discovers a love for wearing clothing. When word of his new passion for getting dressed turns the whole Tunnel upside down, Wilbur sets a new trend and proves to the world there’s no need to be just like everyone else.
Live on stage April 2—May 19, 2024
Sensory Friendly Performances: May 9 at 12 pm, May 10 at 7 pm
I am going to see Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience presented by actors at The Coterie Theatre.
This is what The Coterie looks like.
Our actors have invited me to see Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed on a stage. I’m so excited to see this play!
I am going to travel to The Coterie Theatre!
When I get to Crown Center, I might walk in from outside, or I might come from the parking garage.
It might be loud in Crown Center. I can cover my ears or wear headphones.
The Coterie is inside Crown Center.
Crown Center is big. It has places to shop, play, and eat.
I might smell food and cooking. I can cover my nose. I will be okay.
First, I will find The Coterie’s lobby.
I might have to stand in line to buy tickets at the Box Office or wait my turn to go inside the theater.
There are many different things to look at on the walls in the lobby.
I can also see posters of all the upcoming shows for this season.
Once I get checked in and it is my turn to go inside, a person called the House Manager will show me where to sit. I might sit on the floor or in a chair.
After I sit down, we will wait until everyone is ready to start the show.
If I need to use the restroom before the show…
…there are family restrooms in Crown Center by the escalators across from The Coterie.
I will know it is almost time for the show to start when I hear an actor’s voice on the speaker.
I will turn my eyes to the stage to see the show begin.
On the stage, Wilbur and the other naked mole rats might look different than their pictures in the book.
The actors are wearing costumes and pretending to be characters in the story.
During the show, there might be different colored lights and sounds that help tell the story.
The lights and sound might get bright and loud but they will not hurt me. If the noise gets too loud, I can cover my ears or bring headphones to wear.
These moments will be modified for our Sensory Friendly Performances.
At the beginning of the show and when we meet Grand-Pah, it will look cloudy in the air. This is from a fog machine.
This fog may smell different, but I know it is safe for me to breathe.
In the show, the actors will be singing rock music. Sometimes they will be singing quietly and sometimes they will be singing very loud.
I can cover my ears or wear headphones if it is too loud for me.
Most often, I will see the actors in front of me on stage. There are times when they walk, stand, or move in the audience.
I might have to turn my head to see them, or they might be standing very close. If they are close to me, I know I am safe and they will not touch me.
When I see things I like or think are funny, I can clap my hands or laugh. Others may also clap their hands and laugh too.
I can cover my ears or wear headphones if it is too loud for me.
If I need to take a break, I can ask an adult to go with me back out to the lobby.
We will find the exit sign and walk out of the theater together.
On stage Wilbur and his friends have their own fashion show. Grand-Pah will also ask me to “get up and show off my fashion moves” in my spot.
I can stay in my seat or stand up and dance in my personal space.
I know the show is almost over when the actors bow.
It may be loud as people will clap and cheer. If it is too loud for me, I can cover my ears or wear headphones.
After the show is over, the lights will come back on and everyone will leave the theater. The aisles may be crowded as everyone exits.
I will pay attention to my grown-up to help me safely wait my turn to use the aisle and exit through the doors.
At home I can tell my family or draw a picture…
…all about my friends from Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience at The Coterie!
Social narrative created by The Coterie’s Education Department. Production photography by Paul Andrews.
