Coterie Social Narrative
What to expect when you see a show at The Coterie
In addition to the following social story, The Coterie offers show specific social narratives for a more detailed outline of audiences’ experiences. These are made available as soon as possible after opening night of each production.
I am going to see a show presented by actors at The Coterie Theatre. I am going to travel to The Coterie!
This is what The Coterie looks like.
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.
If I am feeling overwhelmed by the crowd or loud noises, my grown up can check out a sensory kit from the box office.
I can use the items in this kit before, during, and after the show, and return them to the box office window before I leave.
*These kits are available on a first come, first serve basis.
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.
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.
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.
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 on stage at The Coterie!
Social narrative created by The Coterie’s Education Department. Production photography by Paul Andrews and Jim Vaiknoras.
