Sensory friendly performances are designed to be a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with neurodivergence, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities.

 

Modifications often include:

  • Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds
  • Theater lights remaining dimly lit throughout the performance
  • Reduced use of strobe lighting and audience-facing effects
  • Freedom for guests to talk or move around as needed
  • Designated quiet areas within the theater
  • Space throughout the theater for standing and movement
  • Can block a group of seats to have additional space
  • Patrons are allowed to bring personal devices

If your party requires additional accommodations, please contact us.

Web Guide- SF JB by Genevieve Szaly

Scene 1 – Prologue
Deep in the Jungle, two wolves shake themselves from their slumber and set out from their den to find food for their cubs.

They are Raksha and Akela, mates for life and leaders of the free people of the Jungle.

They search and search, not finding much of anything at all, until Raksha hears a curious sound coming from the bushes.

“What’s this?” cries Raksha.
 “Why, it’s a man cub,” said Akela.

“Small and soft with no sharp teeth at all, but oh how fierce he is. I shall protect him as my own, for any animal that breathes and knows no fear is honored in the green eyes of Raksha.”

But then the wolves hear a growl as deep as thunder coming their way.

It is Shere Khan, lord of the lawless, breaker of oaths.

“It appears you have stolen my breakfast, Raksha. Give the man cub to me.”

At this, Raksha bares her teeth, for she was known as the demon and was fiercely protective of her kin.

“Enough,” barks Akela. “The law of the Jungle forbids killing for sport. Leave this place or, by my decree as Akela, leader of the free people, you will feel the wrath of the jungle.”

“Look upon free people, and see the man-cub, and know that he is kin to me, and so kin to all of the free people. Respect him, that he may respect you.”

“You who bow to the commands of a dog and call yourself free. Ha! I am Shere Khan, and I bow to no one. I am defeated now, but know by the depths of my stripes I will have my revenge.”

The wolves take the man-cub home and raise him as their own, calling him Mowgli, which means little frog.

Years pass, and the little frog Mowgli, much like the lush plants of the jungle, begins to grow, and grow, and grow into a strong, fierce little boy.

 

Scene 2 – Wolves

Emerging from the underbrush, Akela returns from the hunt.

His partner Raksha is awaiting his arrival at the mouth of their cave.

They are everything to one another and to Mowgli’s world. They are as night and day, shining each in their own way, sharing with him as much love as possible, as they would with any of their kin.

Akela, the great leader, shines as brightly as the day star.

Though he is the strongest wolf, he is fair in all of his dealings and uses not his power for cruelty or bullying, but rather for order and balance. And for this, he is respected by all animals of the Jungle.

Of course, it is no secret to the free people that the true source of Akela’s strength lives within Raksha.

For the demon wolf is as loyal as an unshakable darkness and possesses a love that burns more intensely than the stars.

Though the two wolves form a great partnership, in the eyes of Akela and Raksha, there are no qualities of greater importance than independence and self-reliance, for though each species among the free people exists within a community, each animal is ultimately responsible for their own actions.

The wolves knew all along that Mowgli was unlike any other animal and that the day would come when he must take responsibility and venture forward without them, to find his own way in the jungle.

That day had finally come.

“Mowgli, for many years you have dwelt in the cave of Akela and Raksha. We have shown you love and protection, and you have made us proud with your cunning and strength. But the time has come for you to leave our cave and learn the ways of the jungle from within the jungle, so that you may in turn learn the ways of the self.”

“But mother, I see no other animals like me. To whom should I go to learn the way?”

“Go to Baloo the wise, seer of patterns. He is the most knowledgeable in the laws which govern nature and its inhabitants. Learn of nature, my cub, that you may learn of yourself.”

Mowgli makes his way down to the river.

It is not long before he finds the generous sunbear Baloo, lounging and lazily licking honey from his paws.

Baloo is able to come and go among the communities of the free people as he pleases. Eating only nuts, roots, and honey, he poses no threat to the other animals.

It is his knowledge of the supreme laws, which govern the various ways of the free people, that makes the other animals welcome his presence and advice.

His mind is slow but penetrating, and for this reason, he is known as Baloo the wise, seer of patterns.

 

Scene 3 – Baloo & Bagheera

“Excuse me, friend, my mother Raksha sent me to learn the laws of the jungle from the wise bear Baloo.”

“Ah ha ha ha! Why yes, it’s true!
 I am the wise and carefree bear Baloo.
 It is curious, though, you must admit,
 that Raksha does not look like you.

You don’t have her teeth,
 You don’t have her paws,
 In truth, you don’t look alike at all.

You don’t have her ears,
 You don’t have her snout,
 You don’t have a tail to wag about.

You don’t have her fur,
 You don’t have her claws,
 But you do share one thing that is inside us all.”

“What is it?” Mowgli pleads.

“Have you ever been hurt,
 broken your skin, maybe cried,
 and saw the deep red that flows from inside?

It pumps through all of our hearts,
 it can carry our love.
 Every animal in the jungle is all of one blood.”

“One blood?” asks Mowgli.

“One blood!
 Flows through you, Raksha, and I.
 It flows in the wings of the birds in the sky…”

Mowgli listens, amazed by Baloo’s wisdom.

Bagheera, however, watches with skepticism.

“The boy will surely be of one blood with Shere Khan when he is lying still within her stomach,” she warns.

Baloo leaves, and Bagheera steps forward.

“What Baloo says is true, but in order to survive, you must find not only what unites you with nature but what sets you apart.”

“What do you mean?” Mowgli asks.

“In the jungle, strength is necessary for survival. Every creature is different, and within this difference is found their true source of strength.”

“You did not know, but I was born among men. I was kept in the cage of a prince and for years wore the collar of submission. Until one night, I felt in my blood that I was no man’s plaything—I was Bagheera the panther. That night, I found my strength. With one swipe of my mighty paw, I alone broke the lock that bound me.”

“But what makes me different, Bagheera? What makes me strong?”

“Humans have the power of intent unlike any other and can use this intent to harness the forces of nature. Have you noticed the burning red flower that grows outside the huts within the village at night? This flower, in all other areas of nature, appears spontaneously. Yet humans can somehow grow this flower instantly from deep within two rocks. Learn to grow and control this flower, man-cub, and in doing so, you will learn your unique source of strength.”

Mowgli takes his fire and carries it throughout the jungle, feeding it, protecting it, almost as if he were caring for another living being…