Broward Center Announces Three Sensory-Inclusive Performances This Spring
Published: Mar 23, 2026
As part of its 2025/2026 Sensory-Inclusive season, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts will present three performances this spring, offering neurodiverse audiences and families a welcoming theater experience.
The upcoming performances include Brazilian Voices: Quiet Bossa (April 11), Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” (April 26), and Shrek the Musical JR. (July 11). Since launching in 2017, the Broward Center’s sensory-inclusive initiative has grown into one of the largest theater accessibility programs of its kind in the nation.
For families with neurodiverse members, shared experiences like live theater can sometimes feel out of reach. Traditional performance environments with bright lights, loud sounds and expectations to sit quietly can create barriers for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities or developmental disabilities.
“We hear from families who never thought coming to the theater was a possibility for them,” said Jan Goodheart, vice president of external affairs at the Broward Center. “Sensory-inclusive performances remove barriers and open the doors of live theater to more members of our community. Creating experiences where everyone feels welcome is at the heart of our mission, and for many this becomes their first opportunity to share in the magic of live performance.”
Each performance is adapted with attendees in mind. Sound levels are lowered, flashing and strobe lights are removed and special effects are minimized. Guests are welcome to move around or vocalize, experiencing the performance in ways that feel most comfortable to them. At every show, an area adjacent to the theater is designated as the ABA Centers of Florida Sensory Quiet Room and staffed by a trained therapist. Most performances also include complimentary pre-show arts and crafts and a post-show character meet-and-greet.
Specially priced tickets, starting at $10, are available until one week before each performance. Tickets and accessibility resources—including character guides and information on what to expect at the theater—are available at BrowardCenter.org. To learn more about the Broward Center’s sensory-inclusive programming, including All Abilities classes, visit BrowardCenter.org/education.
Brazilian Voices: Quiet Bossa
Sat., April 11, 2026, 11 a.m.
Abdo New River Room | Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Brazilian Voices, known for their work in arts and healing, presents an intimate, one-hour concert of familiar, soothing songs. The award-winning ensemble features female vocalists, light percussion and guitar performing Bossa Nova favorites such as “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Mas Que Nada,” American classics including “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Isn’t She Lovely,” and medleys of beloved Brazilian and American songs. The volume is kept low and the setting intimate, creating a comfortable experience for audience members of any age or sensitivity level, and everyone is invited to sing along.
Everyone in the audience will receive an egg-shaped musical shaker to participate and keep.
Lap tickets for children 12 months and younger are available exclusively at the box office. A ticket is required for every person in the theater.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
Sun., April 26, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center | Nova Southeastern University
Based on Mo Willems’ bestselling books and created by the writer behind beloved Sesame Street characters, this musical follows best friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig as they head to a party thrown by the Squirrelles, three singing squirrels with plenty of enthusiasm and surprises. It’s funny, warm and completely winning for audiences of all ages.
Shrek the Musical JR.
Sat., July 11, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
Amaturo Theater | Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film and Broadway musical, Shrek the Musical JR. follows Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona in a funny, big-hearted story about embracing who you are. This production is performed by the Broward Center’s Young Professionals, a student performance group for ages 13–18.
Lap tickets for children 12 months and younger are available exclusively at the box office. A ticket is required for every person in the theater.
The Broward Center’s Sensory-Inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, BBX Capital Foundation, The Batchelor Foundation, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation, Nicklaus Children’s Health System and The Taft Foundation, with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support.
Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 954.462.0222, or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
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