“I was skeptical if my autistic son could sit and enjoy full-length performances. [After seeing him enjoy the performance] I am elated. I want my son to experience life to the fullest and have him grow to his full potential. Exposing him to the beauty of theater is one of them.”
- Therese Arguelles-Luz, sensory inclusive audience member
Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Inspired by the hit film, it’s the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life changes forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he’s human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Saturday, February 6, 2027 at 1:00 PM
Join the Story Keepers on an epic journey. No matter where or when you live, all people look at the same sun and the same moon, and every culture has their own tale about the heavens. This world-premiere show explores celestial myths and legends from China, Korea, Hawai‘i and more. Told through language, movement and music, these are stories to connect us all.
Buy Tickets
Saturday, March 6, 2027 at 1:00 PM
Meet Joseph Kekuku. In 1889, Joseph, a student at Kamehameha Schools, fabricated a steel bar in the school’s machine shop, slid it across the strings of his guitar and changed the sound and shape of the instrument forever. He inspired musicians around the world with the new “Hawaiian Sound,” and his influence continues today.
To uphold The Smith Center’s mission of providing a welcoming, inclusive theater experience for all audiences, The Smith Center presents ongoing sensory inclusive performances designed to accommodate audience members on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities.
What makes a program or presentation sensory-inclusive?
A welcoming, inclusive environment for all guests or participants
Relaxed theater-etiquette rules, enabling guests to enter and exit the theater as needed
Ability to use mobile devices for communication purposes
Modification of house lights during the performance and reduction of jarring sounds
Quiet areas established in lobbies or lounges for individuals who may want to take a break from the performance or program, monitored by a certified volunteer
Supportive staff and volunteers
Sensory Inclusive Program Tools
Attending an upcoming sensory-inclusive event at The Smith Center? These tools will help you know what to expect.
Past Sensory Inclusive Programming
123 Andrés (October 2026)
DLUX Puppets' "Wonderland" (April 2026)
The Great Race (February 2026)
The Gruffalo's Child (April 2025)
Pa'akai We Bring (January 2025)
Shrek - The Musical (November 2024)
The Boy Who Cried Wolf (April 2024)
The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories (October 2023)
Disney's Frozen (March 2023)
Grace For President (February 2023)
The Gruffalo (January 2023)
The Pout-Pout Fish (October 2022)
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical! (November 2019)
The Phantom Tollbooth (April 2019)
Hocus Focus: The Magic of Kevin Spencer (March 2019)
Disney’s The Lion King (November 2018)
Shh! We Have A Plan (April 2018)
Workshops with Ryan Hourigan – Music and Children with Autism: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers (2014) and Music Making with Children with Autism (2018)
Workshops with Kevin Spencer – Hocus Focus: Teaching Magic Tricks to Special Needs Children – Especially High Functioning Autism (2016)
“My son was thoroughly engaged the entire time. It was so nice to be able to attend an event like this...thank you so much for allowing us to take part in this event as a family.”
Denise Robinson
sensory inclusive audience member
The Smith Center’s Education and Outreach Department extends its thanks to the staff and clinicians at Grant A Gift Autism Foundation, Touro University Nevada Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, UNLV Ackerman Center for Autism, FEAT of Southern Nevada, Nevada PEP, Opportunity Village, Sport Social, Wellman Therapy Services, Autism Coalition of Nevada, and the Center for Child and Family Development for their guidance and support.
Sensory inclusive performances are made possible through a major gift from Windsong Trust, NV Energy Foundation and other generous Smith Center donors.