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Mobile Sensory Theatre

Mobile Sensory Theatre FAQ

What performances will be available?

Our current show is called Starshine! and takes audiences on a sensory-enriched journey through the galaxy. Each star in our universe is unique, and we all experience our world differently. During the show, audience members can enjoy the magic of the sky: gaze at constellations, hear the soothing sounds of space, and even lend a helping hand as “Starkeepers” so that every star can shine its brightest.

We are currently in the development for our next piece, and have happily partnered with our friends at Laura Dodge Elementary and the Autism Action Partnership to assist in the creative process!

Who is eligible to see a VROOM! performance?

The VROOM! Mobile Sensory Theatre is designed for audiences with autism or other sensory sensitivities, providing a safe and personalized experience by bringing the performance directly to their home, school, and other locations. The experiences serve small audience sizes (usually just 1-2 people & a caregiver at a time) and feature a range of sensory activities.

  • Individual bookings are available to school-aged children ages 5 and up (including teens!). If you are uncertain about your child’s readiness for the experience, we are happy to discuss in detail what to expect and help you make your decision.
  • Schools can learn more about booking here.
  • In 2024, we will also be opening limited performances for adults! Stay tuned for more information about Starshine! After Dark.
  • Other organizations and festivals should reach out directly to the Mobile Theatre Coordinator at mobilesensorytheatre@omahaplayhouse.com to learn more booking opportunities.

Proof of an autism diagnosis is not required to see a VROOM! performance, nor is disclosure of any disabilities, diagnoses, etc. We acknowledge and respect our audience’s privacy and realize that just as there are barriers to seeing traditional live theatre, there are systemic barriers in place across the board which may prevent people from receiving or even seeking a formal diagnosis. Furthermore, in addition to autistic individuals, there are many within the neurodivergent community or disability community who would benefit from the Mobile Sensory Theatre. Regardless of diagnosis, our goal is to provide a high-quality theatrical experience for members of our community whose needs are not being met in the typical theatre environment.

We do require an intake survey before your experience to help us understand the scope of your accommodation requests, and encourage you to share anything that will be helpful for our performers. These surveys are never shared outside of our staff.

If you are uncertain about your eligibility to participate in VROOM!, please reach out!

How does the experience accommodate neurodivergent audience members, such as those with autism or other sensory sensitivities?

We have a multi-tiered approach to providing the best possible experience for our audience members:

  • Performers are trained to work with the neurodivergent community, and all have a previous background as teachers/teaching artists.
  • A parent, guardian, or caregiver is involved at every step of the process, from the from the initial sign-up to the day of the performance to ensure accessibility needs are met and the utmost care is provided for children to feel safe and have fun.
  • A variety of resources are available to audience members ahead of time to prepare, including a social story, sound cues from the piece, and an activity guide.
  • Every aspect of the experience is designed to be flexible based on the audience member’s needs. Caregivers fill out a survey to help us assess what will work best for the audience member.

What does the sensory-friendly environment look like, and how is it different from a traditional theatre environment?

The intimate nature of these performances allows for actors to connect directly with their audience members and cater the experience to meet their exact needs. While a typical theatre-going experience may sometimes seem rigid (sit in one spot, be quiet while the play is happening, don’t touch anything, and so forth), VROOM! has the ability to flex even beyond its ability to travel to different locations.

Here are just a few ways in which the experience can adapt:

  • Length: Starshine! averages around 30-40 minutes, but we can shorten or lengthen the experience.
  • Sensory Moments: Starshine! has a number of opportunities to engage with sensory items and experiences of all kinds.
  • Consent: Audience members are able to decline sensory moments without fear of disrupting the show.
  • Seating: A variety of seating is available, and may even be swapped out mid-performance. The van is also wheelchair accessible.
  • Communication: The audience member has the freedom to communicate with the performer as much or little as they wish.
  • Breaks: If you need a moment to use the restroom or simply need a moment to yourself, the show is put on pause.

Is there a cost for the Mobile Sensory Theatre performances?

Thanks to the generous support of individuals and organizations throughout our community, there is no cost for individual bookings in the Omaha! School bookings are also subsidized.

Costs for special appearances, demos, and visits to other organizations vary. Please contact the Mobile Theatre Coordinator at mobilesensorytheatre@omahaplayhouse.com to discuss options.

How many people can attend a Mobile Sensory Theatre performance?

Starshine! is an intimate theatrical experience for one audience member and up to two caregivers, parents or siblings. Minors must be accompanied by an adult/caregiver for the duration of the experience.

Starshine! After Dark, which is for adults, follows a slightly different procedure depending on the needs of the audience member.

VROOM! is also able to appear at events in a non-performance capacity, allowing multiple guests to briefly explore the van, enjoy photo opportunities, and participate in table activities.

How can people schedule a performance?

Visit our Book Now! page for individual bookings. Individual bookings are available to school-aged children ages 5 and up (including teens!) in the Omaha area. More information about how to book experiences for adults will be coming soon.

All other booking inquiries should be sent directly to the Mobile Theatre Coordinator at mobilesensorytheatre@omahaplayhouse.com.

Occasionally, it may be necessary to cancel a booking due to inclement weather, illness, or other emergency. The Mobile Theatre Coordinator will make every effort to reschedule cancelled bookings as quickly as possible.

Please note that bookings are currently closed, and will reopen in Spring 2024!

How far can the Mobile Sensory Theatre travel?

  • The VROOM! Mobile Sensory Theatre can bring individual bookings of Starshine! anywhere within the Omaha area (30-mile radius from the Omaha Community Playhouse).
  • For those who live outside of the 30-mile radius, performances can also be held at OCP.

If you are interested in bring VROOM! to an organization outside of this radius, please contact the Mobile Theatre Coordinator at mobilesensorytheatre@omahaplayhouse.com. We would love to discuss opportunities to serve families throughout Nebraska!

How did the Mobile Sensory Theatre begin?

The Omaha Community Playhouse is committed to providing ALL community members with inclusive and innovative theatre experiences where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.

Starshine! and the concept of VROOM! are the creation of Stephen Santa, who conducted extensive research and developed the mobile sensory theatre and Starshine! performance for the first time as a co-founder at Jumping Jack Theater in Pittsburgh.

Are there other programs at the Playhouse to serve neurodivergent individuals?

Yes! Please check out our Sensory Friendly Workshops!

We are also proud to offer a robust selection of classes for all ages, and are happy to welcome students of any ability to our programs. Visit our Education Page for more information.

OCP also offers sensory kits for patrons in our autistic community to utilize during their visit. These sensory kits, developed with the help of Autism Action Partnership, may be checked out from the OCP Box Office at any time. Please contact the OCP Box Office at (402) 553-0800 for more information.

For more information about accommodations at OCP, visit our Accessibility Page.

Still have questions?

Please contact the Mobile Theatre Coordinator at mobilesensorytheatre@omahaplayhouse.com or (531)710-4907. We would love to hear from you!