Burnsville High Putting on Autism-Friendly 'Beauty and the Beast'

Burnsville High School students will be altering their Saturday performance of "Beauty and the Beast" to make the theater production easier to enjoy for children with autism.

House lights will be left on, the speaker volume lowered, jarring noises eliminated and strobe lights and fog reduced, KSTP is reporting.

“Exposure to the arts is an important way to enrich the lives of all youth in our community, including those who need special care and attention,” the show's director, Randy Day, said in a statement.

Autism professionals and special educators will be at the show, ready to help families, and a private lounge area will be available for children needing breaks in the action.

The performance will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Mraz Center, 600 East State Highway 13, inside Burnsville High School.

Burnsville High School has more about how the show will be tailored to autistic children:

- Seating is reserved so you can choose the best seats for your child.
- Lights will remain up inside the auditorium during the run of the show.
- Sound volume will be lowered and prevent abrupt jarring sounds.
- Some special effect lights and fog haze will be reduced or eliminated.
- Children will be free to talk and vocalize as they wish.
- Children may leave their seat under parental supervision.
- A private lounge area will be available where children and families can relax or enjoy separate activities, fidget and sensory toys.
- Professional autism and special education specialists will be available throughout the performance to provide assistance as requested or needed.
- A social story picture packet will be sent to all patrons before the show to help acquaint children with the experience of a live performance.