Rhythm and Autism, a Sensory Friendly Two-Act by Andee Joyce

Andee Joyce:

RHYTHM AND AUTISM is my solo musical comedy about growing up autistic amid the pop culture cheese of the 1960s and 1970s, and my pandemic-era showdown with an internal “Clappy Monster” that changed my relationship with music (and other people) forever. The show is about 50/50 sung and spoken, and I play guitar and do live looping in the show, in addition to singing to backing tracks. This show is also part of the Fertile Ground Festival, so passholders can get free tickets.

This will be the world premiere of the sensory friendly two-act version of my show! Each act will be 45-50 minutes, with one 10-15 minute intermission. The first half of the show will avoid or minimize common sensory triggers (such as high-pitched and heavily processed sounds), and the entire show will have a sensory warning program available to let audience members know what sensory elements are coming in the next scene. There will be full open captions based on my script.

The audience is welcome to bring earplugs and stim toys (we have extra!), and to step out of the room into a quiet zone if they need to. There will be lots of opportunities for audience participation, beginning with a silent “flap-along” early in the show, and building to a “percuss-splosion” in the second half (though it never gets super loud). All seating is general admission and there will be a variety of seating arrangements available. It should be fun and cathartic for people of all abilities!

Tickets are $10 advance and $12 day of show. Fertile Ground passholders can obtain free tickets.

Learn more and get tickets on the official event page!

Additional content information: There will be some depictions of institutional and internalized ableism and misogyny, and some mentions of mental health crises in the distant past.