September 19 | Sensory-Friendly Performance of The Mousetrap

Experience Agatha Christie's classic murder mystery The Mousetrap during a sensory-friendly performance designed to make live theatre more accessible for guests who may benefit from a more flexible sensory environment. The performance takes place at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette on Saturday, September 19 at 2:30 PM.

Event Details

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Where: Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, Lafayette, IN
Cost: Ticketed event
Format: In person
Accessibility: Sensory-friendly performance
Registration: Tickets required
Event Details & Tickets: Visit Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette for event information and tickets

About This Event

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap is a classic murder mystery set inside Monkswell Manor, where a group of strangers become trapped together during a snowstorm after a murder takes place.

Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette is presenting The Mousetrap September 10–19, with a sensory-friendly performance scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at 2:30 PM.

The sensory-friendly performance is intended to make the theatre experience more welcoming for audience members who may benefit from adjustments to the typical performance environment. Civic Theatre offers sensory-friendly performances for many productions throughout its season.

Because The Mousetrap is a murder mystery, families may also want to consider whether the show's themes and suspense are a good fit for the person attending.

Accessibility Highlights

Features Families May Appreciate:

• Dedicated sensory-friendly performance

• Flexible environment designed with sensory needs in mind

• Opportunity to experience live theatre in a more accessible setting

• Intimate theatre environment

• Accessible seating and accommodations available through Civic Theatre

• Hearing assistance available upon request

• Lobby access during sensory-friendly performances

Civic Theatre's sensory-friendly performances generally include adjustments such as keeping house lights up at a dimmed level, reducing or eliminating loud sound effects, and allowing guests to come and go as needed. The theatre also keeps the lobby open with a live video feed during these performances.

Helpful Planning Tips:

• Purchase tickets for the September 19 at 2:30 PM sensory-friendly performance, rather than another performance in the show's run.

• Arrive early enough to get settled before the performance begins.

• If your guest needs an accommodation related to mobility, hearing, vision, or another access need, contact Civic Theatre before attending.

• Consider previewing the basic premise of the show if your child or family member benefits from knowing what to expect.

• Remember that a sensory-friendly performance can make the theatre environment more accessible, but the content of the production itself remains a murder mystery.

• Give yourself permission to step into the lobby or take a break if needed.

Who Might Enjoy This Event?

This event may be a good fit for:

• Neurodivergent teens and adults

• Neurodivergent children who enjoy theatre and mystery

• People who benefit from sensory-friendly performance environments

• Families interested in trying live theatre

• Theatre lovers who experience sensory sensitivities

• People who benefit from flexible participation during performances

• Families looking for accessible performing arts experiences

What Families May Want to Know

Before you go:

• The sensory-friendly performance is Saturday, September 19 at 2:30 PM.

• The Mousetrap is a murder mystery by Agatha Christie.

• The show runs approximately September 10–19.

• Tickets are required.

• The theatre is located in downtown Lafayette.

• Civic Theatre's sensory-friendly performances are designed to reduce some of the sensory demands of a traditional theatre performance.

• The theatre has a lobby area where guests can take a break while still following the performance through a live video feed.

• Civic Theatre does not offer late seating, so arriving early is especially helpful.

Why Families May Appreciate It

Live theatre can be a wonderful experience, but the traditional theatre environment can also come with a lot of sensory expectations: sitting quietly in a dark room, staying in a seat for an extended period, sudden sound effects, and limited opportunities to move around.

A sensory-friendly performance creates another way to experience theatre without requiring everyone to engage with the performance in exactly the same way.

For families who have been curious about live theatre but haven't felt sure whether a traditional performance would work, this kind of performance can offer a lower-pressure place to start.

And just like any other sensory-friendly event, families can decide what works for them. Someone might watch the entire show from their seat. Someone else might need a lobby break. Both can still be part of the experience.

Plan Your Visit

☐ Purchase tickets for the September 19 sensory-friendly performance
☐ Preview the basic story of The Mousetrap
☐ Consider whether a murder mystery is a good content fit
☐ Contact Civic Theatre about any specific accessibility needs
☐ Arrive early to get settled before the 2:30 PM curtain
☐ Bring familiar sensory supports
☐ Identify the lobby as a potential break space
☐ Give yourself permission to move, step out, or return as needed

What’s on Your Calendar?

Know about another sensory-friendly, inclusive, or family-friendly event happening in Central Indiana?