1. Social Story
My Trip to Alabama Shakespeare Festival to see
Winnie-the-Pooh

2. I am going to see Winnie-the-Pooh at Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

3. On the day of the show, we’ll park in the parking lot and walk to the theatre along a sidewalk.

4. I’ll enter the theatre through the box office.

5. I may have to wait in line to get my tickets.

6. The concession stand will be open before the performance
The concession stand will be open before the performance. I may purchase drinks and snacks here.

7. If I get to the theatre early, I may wait in the lobby until I can take my seat.

8. I can bring any sensory items, headphones, or electronic devices I want to the play. I can also borrow headphones and fidgets from the gift shop.

9. If I need to use the restroom before the performance, I can take the stairs or the elevator to the bottom level.

10. The staircase is 17 steps from the top to the bottom.

11. Restrooms are labeled Men and Women, and I can choose which one is right for me.

12. I can also wait in this lobby before the show
I can also wait in this lobby before the show. If I need to leave the theatre during the show, I can return here to this quiet space.

13. Before I enter, I need to look at my ticket
Before I enter, I need to look at my ticket. Towards the bottom under “The Festival”, I will see which door (blue arrow) I need to enter. Doors 1-4 are on this level. Doors 5 and 6 are on the balcony level. There are staircases to either side of the Grand Lobby, or I can take the elevator to the balcony level.

14. When the house is open, I will enter the Festival Stage either through Doors 1- 4 off the lobby, or Doors 5 and 6 on the balcony.

15. When I enter The Festival, I will use these steps to get down to my seat. An usher will be on hand to help me find my seat.

16. First, I look at the Row letter (Blue Arrow)
First, I look at the Row letter (Blue Arrow). This will tell me how far I’ll need to go down the aisle to find my seat. My seat number is indicated by the black arrow.

17. I will find the letter of the row on the seat closest to the aisle.

18. The corresponding seat number is on each individual seat in white numbers. If at any point I have trouble finding my seat, I can always ask an usher for help.

19. The houselights will dim as the show begins
The houselights will dim as the show begins. That’s my signal to focus my attention to the stage. People will clap during the performance, sometimes after songs, and at the end of the show. I can choose if I want to clap or not. If the noise is too loud, I can cover my ears.

20. The show includes some loud noises and music
The show includes some loud noises and music. If it is too loud, I can cover my ears, wear headphones, or move to the theatre’s quiet space.

21. Sometimes the lights onstage will get brighter or dimmer
Sometimes the lights onstage will get brighter or dimmer. This means something in the play’s setting has changed, like the time of day or weather.

22. During the show, actors will use props I may have seen before a bath tub, blanket, and balloon. Some of the props I will see, like a hunny pot and birthday cake, are not real. The actors use their imaginations to pretend.

23. The actors will bow when the show is over. I may applaud if I like.

24. After the show, actors will come out to the lobby
After the show, actors will come out to the lobby. I may take a picture with them or get their autograph on my program.

25. When I am finished meeting the actors, I will leave the theatre
When I am finished meeting the actors, I will leave the theatre. I hope to come back soon!