Pittsburgh Playhouse’s ARTfully UPlifting Takes Sensory Friendly Performances in a New Direction

Hope. Acceptance. Inclusion.

Each word beautiful, and each word a fundamental building block in the innovative production, ARTfully UPlifting at the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University. The producer, Kiesha Lalama, offers years of experience, as she worked to implement the first sensory friendly performance of A Musical Christmas Carol.

Kiesha Lalama sitting on a chair with elbows resting on her knees

ARTfully UPlifting

ARTfully UPlifting is unique because it brings together a variety of art forms into one production, and each act is relatively short, ranging from 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length. All in all, the show will feature “something for everyone, and most importantly, anyone.” This production is the first of its kind, and there’s something appealing about attending a show that gives us all a little space to experiment, explore, and practice.

Artfully Uplifting ad flyer

Families and friends are welcome and encouraged to bring snacks, and comfort items (fidgets, weighted blanket, toys, or transitional objects), and there will be a relaxation room next to the lobby if anyone needs to take a break. The atmosphere is relaxed, with come and go seating.

For information about accessibility please visit the Pittsburgh Playhouse Accessibility page.

ARTfully UPlifting will take place Saturday, March 30th at 2:00pm at the PNC Theater. Visit the Pittsburgh Playhouse website for details and ticket information. 


Autism Connection of Pennsylvania thanks Kiesha and the Pittsburgh Playhouse for all the work and dedication committed to ARTfully UPlifting built upon hope, acceptance, and inclusion.


ARTfully UPlifting

ARTfully UPlifting is a newly developed show uniting themes of hope, acceptance, and inclusion for sensory-friendly audiences. In a first-of-its-kind for Point Park University, the Conservatory of Performing Arts students will create a variety of live performances showcased in a concert style format. 

With a diverse offering of the sensational talents of our COPA students, each variety act will range from 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length. Audiences can expect a full-length showcase featuring something for everyone, and most importantly, anyone. There will be two acts with one 15-minute intermission. Each act will offer 40 minutes of entertainment. 

Audience members are encouraged to bring personal comfort items such as noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, snacks, and weighted blankets. Patrons are welcome to exit and enter the theater as needed. A quiet room will be available off the grand lobby.  

Ticket Price Range
$12 – $25

Learn more about ARTfully Uplifting here.