Chicago Children’s Theatre is cranking up the volume on inclusive performance with its first-ever Chicago Sensory Theatre Summit this February, a monthlong gathering of theater professionals, educators and disability advocates that also welcomes families and neurodivergent audiences. The lineup mixes professional workshops with public multisensory shows, from kid-focused immersive pieces to a Valentine’s Day Red Kite prom tailored for teens on the autism spectrum.
When and where
According to Chicago Children's Theatre, the summit runs Feb. 2–Mar 1, 2026, inside the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre at 100 S. Racine. The theater’s event page includes sign-up and ticket information and encourages would-be attendees to check back as more details and programming are confirmed.
Programming highlights
As reported by BroadwayWorld, the public slate is set to feature the Red Kite Prom on Feb. 14, the Red Kite Friendship Tour, an immersive "A Piece of Cake!" experience geared to children ages 0–6, and a free 20th Birthday Bash on Feb. 28. BroadwayWorld notes that many family-facing performances come in at modest prices, with several events listed at $10, while other sessions will either require separate tickets or be free with an RSVP.
Workshops and access
BroadwayWorld also reports that the summit will include industry workshops and professional-development offerings led by teaching artists such as Sam Mauceri and Kelly Hunter, with many scheduled on a pay-what-you-are-able sliding scale. In a statement to BroadwayWorld, co‑founder Jacqueline Russell said the summit "will demonstrate the positive impacts of inclusive, immersive performance experiences." Organizers say these sessions are designed to give theater-makers and educators hands-on tools for building work that centers sensory engagement.
Built on two decades of sensory work
Chicago Children’s Theatre is leaning on 20 years of sensory-centered practice, from its Red Kite Project for children on the autism spectrum to all-access productions created for visually impaired audiences. The theater’s Red Kite Project page details residencies, camps, and seven original Red Kite productions that help shape the summit’s curriculum.
Practical details
Tickets and workshop registrations are being released on a rolling basis, and the theater is directing attendees to its event page for the latest schedule and pricing information. The summit is supported by the Illinois Arts Council and Thoma Bravo. Patrons with access needs are asked to contact the box office at [email protected] or call (312) 374‑8835.
