Tickets Go On Sale Monday, October 19, 2026 at 10 AM

Presented in collaboration with The Autism Project

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Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) will present a sensory-friendly performance of OCEAN BLUE on Saturday, April 3, 2027 at 2 PM. Since 2019, PPAC has collaborated with The Autism Project on their sensory-friendly shows.

Tickets are $6 and will go on sale on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 10 AM. Tickets may be purchased online at ppacri.org, at the PPAC Box Office window (220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI, 02903) or by phone at 401.421.ARTS (2787). Box Office window and phone hours are Monday – Friday, 10A to 5P, Saturday, 10A to 2P and two hours prior to curtain time(s) on show days.

Everyone is welcome to attend OCEAN BLUE! A sensory-friendly performance is specifically designed to be inclusive and welcoming of guests with a wide range of sensory, learning and physical needs. It features modifications, like lowered house lights and adjusted sound levels. Audience members are able to bring weighted blankets, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones, and move around during the performance so they can be more comfortable enjoying the show. If needed, guests can take a break in designated quiet areas before and during the performance, and trained staff and volunteers will be available to assist.

“For many participants, attending the sensory friendly performance of OCEAN BLUE will be their first time being in a theatre and enjoying a live show,” said Susan Jewell, Manager of Family Supports, at The Autism Project. “Everyone is provided with a safe space where they can be comfortable knowing they are truly welcomed and embraced by the arts community. The Autism Project and PPAC have a long history of working together – PPAC’s passion for making the arts available to everyone is outstanding!”

OCEAN BLUE follows Charlie, a young crab whose unexpected plunge into “The Gully,” a deep-sea trench in the Atlantic Ocean, launches an adventure across the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans alongside migrating whales and sea turtles. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings Charlie’s journey to life through spectacular puppetry, immersive design, dynamic digital projection and original music. The one-hour performance celebrates marine ecosystems while exploring themes of courage, kindness and friendship.

A “Know Before You Go” guide and a “Social Narrative Guide” are available now on the OCEAN BLUE event page at ppacri.org/oceanblue.

About The Autism Project

The Autism Project (TAP) is a unique collaboration of parents, professionals and community members that has existed since 1997. They provide support, education and strategies that are accessible to all children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families and those who work with them.

The Autism Project works to support individuals with ASD, other developmental disabilities, and communication, social-emotional and regulation challenges in Rhode Island and beyond.

Learn more about The Autism Project at theautismproject.org