TDF announces 2024-2025 season of shows adapted for people with autism

The nonprofit organization TDF has announced its 13th season of autism-friendly shows. The program is designed for people with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The season will open on August 18 at 1 p.m. with a performance of “Hadestown” at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The performance will be sponsored by Thomas M. Neff, who will provide complimentary tickets to TDF for distribution by lottery. TDF’s autism-friendly performances initiative was launched in 2011.

The season will continue with “The Lion King” at the Minskoff Theatre on September 29 at 1 p.m., the “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes” at Radio City Music Hall on November 17 at 9 a.m., the first-ever autism-friendly performance of “Back to the Future” on January 26, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Winter Garden Theatre and the return of “MJ” on March 2, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Neil Simon Theatre. The season will conclude with the first-ever autism-friendly performances of “& Juliet” on May 4, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre and “Hamilton” on June 22, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

“TDF’s autism-friendly shows create a judgment- and excuse-free environment for families and individuals affected by autism, many of whom have historically been excluded from the theatrical experience,” said Deeksha Gaur, TDF’s Executive Director. “This year, we are thrilled to share the magic of live theater with even more audiences, both through AFP in seven different productions, as well as by offering more free tickets than ever before to those who would otherwise not be able to afford the experience.”