Accessibility
Please contact our House Manager in advance if you require special assistance of any kind, such as:
- Access to the elevator to enter the building (The Goodspeed only);
- Removal of a theatre seat to accommodate a wheelchair. We can only accomodate standard size wheelchairs;
- Early admittance to the theatre;
- Assistance in getting to your seats.
Please plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before curtain time so our staff may comfortably assist you to your seats.
Goodspeed Musicals strives to make musical theatre accessible to our hearing-impaired patrons by offering an infra-red hearing system at every performance at (generously donated by Sennheiser). This system can be used independently or in conjunction with patrons’ normal hearing aids. The devices are available free of charge at the Box Office.
Service Animal Policy: Service Animals are welcome at The Goodspeed and The Terris Theatre. Under the ADA, a Service Animal is defined as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.” All other animals that are not Service Animals are not allowed in either theatre.
The Goodspeed
House Manager: 860.873.8664, ext. 339
Accessible parking is located in front of the Gelston House and in the spaces closest to the footbridge along the stream in the Main Parking Lot.
Access to The Goodspeed for patrons who are unable to manage stairs is via an elevator with an outside entrance located on the side of the building closest to the swing bridge. Elevator service is available to the lobby and the orchestra level of The Goodspeed; the balcony level is not accessible via elevator.
The Terris Theatre
House Manager: 860.873.8664, ext. 339
Accessible parking is located in the spaces closest to the theatre entrance. Reserved parking spaces are available upon request; please call the House Manager.
Open Caption Performances
Goodspeed Musicals strives to make musical theatre accessible to our hearing-impaired patrons by offering open captioning at select performances at The Goodspeed (generously underwritten by the Carol L. Sirot Foundation).
Everyone should get the chance to enjoy live theatre.
This winter, we will be offering a special sensory-friendly performance for A Christmas Story. ThisFamily-friendly performance is designed and intended for those who are affected by sensory-processing challenges. At the performance, the theatre environment will be altered, providing a safe, friendly, comfortable and judgment-free zone that is welcoming for all. This performance is recommended for those families and caregivers who are familiar with and accepting of people with sensory-processing challenges—and would like to bring a loved one to the theatre.
For questions regarding this special performance, contact Morgan Dumark-McNamee: 860.615.0318 or mdumark@goodspeed.org.
Here’s what you can expect at a sensory-friendly performance:
- Pre-show resources such as a character guide, plot synopsis, photos and video from the Goodspeed production, FAQs, and a “coming to the theatre” video
- Modifications to sound and lighting levels
- Accepting and inclusive environment
- Quiet area for people who need a break
Tickets
- All tickets for the sensory-friendly performances are $12.
- To purchase tickets, please contact Morgan at 860.615.0318 or mdumark@goodspeed.org.
A Christmas Story
Sunday, December 8, 6:30pm
The Goodspeed, East Haddam CT
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Goodspeed unwraps a glittering musical version of the beloved movie classic just in time for the holidays. The only thing little Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun. But to get it, he must navigate all the obstacles of the yuletide season. Will a neighborhood bully, a strict school teacher, a distracted dad and a department store Santa thwart his quest? There’s something for everyone in this hilarious love letter to Christmas past. A package of naughty and nice nostalgia to warm your winter!
- Sample pre-show resources:
Watch highlights from the show:
Coming to the Theatre Video:
Malcolm's Goodspeed Documentary
Malcolm is a student at Franklin Academy in East Haddam. He has spent a lot of time at Goodspeed both with his family and as a student at Franklin Academy as part of a partnership between Goodspeed and Franklin. Last semester, Malcolm made a documentary about Goodspeed for his video class project. Thanks Malcolm. Enjoy!
Watch Video of the Documentary on YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
A Sensory-Friendly Performance is a live theatre production for people with a variety of sensory input disorders. Our sensory-friendly performance will be accessible to people on the autism spectrum, who have anxiety, or other cognitive disabilities. Goodspeed staff and performers have carefully modified the performance with this audience in mind.
During Sensory-Friendly Performances, audience members can freely leave their seats as needed during the performance, house lights will remain somewhat illuminated, sound levels will be lowered, the use of flashing lights will be reduced, and special educational materials will be made available to patrons prior to the performance. Goodspeed will make numerous other subtle modifications to the regular theatre experience to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible during the performance. There will be several safe spaces for audience members to leave the show and relax as needed. Additionally, trained Goodspeed staff and volunteers will be present to accommodate the needs of this specific population. There is no expectation that the audience will be quiet during the performance. It will be a completely judgment-free zone!
All tickets for this special performance are $12 each. To purchase tickets, please call Morgan at 860.615.0318 or email mdumark@goodspeed.org.
This performance caters to people of all ages with sensory input disorders, their families, and caretakers. If it is difficult or impossible for an individual to attend live performance because of their sensory challenges, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the magic of live musical theatre in a friendly, judgment-free environment. Goodspeed strives to provide a carefree and fun experience for everyone involved. We are prepared for loud reactions to the show from this audience. We also understand that some audience members will need to leave or move around the space during the show. This is perfectly fine! All children must be accompanied by an adult while in the theatre. Again, we encourage caretakers and family members of people with special needs to attend.
Tickets for this performance are not available to the general public. We encourage caretakers and family members of people with sensory input disorders to attend. The production will be changed to fit their needs and the environment will be quite different. Regular Goodspeed patrons should book into other performances so we can keep seats available for this special population and their families.
The script will not be altered.
Goodspeed offers a number of pre-show resources to help people with sensory input disorders prepare to see the show. A plot synopsis featuring things to look out for throughout the performance and a social story guide is available here. They can be downloaded and printed to look through before the show. Additionally, we can arrange tours of the theatre before you come to the performance. If you are interested in a tour, please contact Morgan at 860.615.0318. There will be a “meet your seat” experience an hour before the performance begins and attendees are welcome to come early to see their seat, view the set on stage, and meet our friendly staff and some cast members.
Yes, there is elevator access to the orchestra level at The Goodspeed and a ramp at The Terris Theatre. Please inform the box office of any mobility issues.
Yes, attendees are encouraged to bring fidget toys and edibles, but we ask that all electronic devices including phones and tablets be turned off during the performance. We will have complimentary fidgets and earplugs available at the performance.
Yes, you are welcome to leave your seat at any time you want. Goodspeed staff will be available to direct you wherever you need to go. Please look for people in blue shirts and feel free to ask questions. These folks will be glad to help you return to your seat whenever you wish.
Yes, we will post clips from the show and send out links before your performance. Stay tuned!
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission.
- Word of mouth - talk about the performance to friends, clients, and parents
- Print a poster for your office, school or organization. DOWNLOAD
- Include information in your newsletter. If you need graphics or other promotional materials, please contact Katie Desjardins at kdesjardins@goodspeed.org or 860.615.0322
Please contact Morgan Dumark-McNamee at 860.615.0318 or email her at mdumark@goodspeed.org.
Accessibility Sponsors
