RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH KULTURE CITY TO MAKE THE NEVERS POSSIBLE.

One in six individuals in the USA has a sensory processing need of some kind. RMT has undergone training to make our theatre accessible and welcoming to all people. We do this two ways:

Special sensory bags are always available at the box office to help individuals in their theatre experience.
We offer Sensory-Friendly performances that are modified to create a safe and welcoming theatre experience for patrons with any sensory needs.

NEXT SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH, 2022 AT 2 PM
The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Purchase tickets here 

DETAILS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a sensory-friendly performance?
Sensory-friendly performances are theatre productions modified to create a safe and welcoming theatre experience for patrons on the  autism spectrum, and those with sensory processing disorders, anxiety, or other cognitive or physical disabilities.

What changes can we expect for the sensory friendly performance
Accommodations for these performances include:

Audience size is limited
Lower sound levels, especially for startling or jarring sounds
Reduced strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience
The lights in the theatre will remain on at a low level during the performance
Patrons are free to talk, make noise and leave their seats during the performance
Space for standing and movement throughout the theatre
Limited crowds and visitors during the time of the performance
Designated quiet areas within the lobby if patrons need a break from the performance
RMT staff trained to be inviting and accommodating to patrons’ needs.

How can I get tickets for the sensory friendly performance? What if I have specific seat questions or needs?
Tickets for these performances can be purchased online at redmountaintheatre.org or by phone at (205) 324-2424. If the performance is not sold out, tickets can be purchased in person through our Box Office beginning one hour prior to the show start time. For questions regarding tickets or seating, please contact Tori Penton, Box Office Manager. Tori can be reached by email at tpenton@redmountaintheatre.org or direct line at (205) 383-1718, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.

Who should attend these performances? Can people without sensory sensitivity attend these performances?
Individuals of all abilities and with any and all behaviors are welcome. Sensory- friendly performances are specifically catered to individuals with sensory input disorders, autism, or other development, cognitive and physical disabilities, and their families and caretakers. These performances are presented in a relaxed way with lower sound levels and reduced lighting effects, among other things, to ensure a comfortable environment. This is a judgement-free, fun experience for the entire family. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Caretakers and family members of individuals with special needs are encouraged to attend.

If my child/family member is not able to sit through the entire show or needs to take a break during the performance, will we be able to leave the theatre? Will we be able to return to our seats?
Yes. Ushers and staff will be helping any patrons to and from the theatre. Designated quiet areas within the lobby will be available if patrons need to take a break from the performance. The performance will be broadcasted to televisions in these areas so you and your child/family member can continue to watch the show. These areas are available throughout the duration of the performance, and can be used as often and for as long as needed. Re-entrance to the theatre is available at any time during this performance as well.

Is there anything I can do to help my child/family member prep for this new experience?
RMT provides multiple tools online, at redmountaintheatre.org, to help individuals, especially children, who have difficulty with transitioning into new environments.

Review RMT’s social story which is a step-by-step narrative about what to expect when coming to the theatre, also available in video.
Read the “More About…” for the production. This will include a plot summary, scene by scene guide, character guide, and potential content warnings. This is available under the event page.
Arrive early to find your seat, and meet our volunteers and staff.
If needed, you can schedule a time to “Meet Your Seat.” You can come to RMT prior to the performance to walk through the theatre and become comfortable with your seat and the event space. To schedule a “Meet Your Seat,” contact Dakota Patrick by email at dpatrick@redmountaintheatre.org or direct line at (205) 463-3627, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.
We encourage patrons to use these tools to prepare for the whole theatrical experience, from beginning to end.

Can I bring fidget toys, headphones, or other items that help my child/family member stay calm?
Yes. RMT encourages you to bring any items that might make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. A limited number of sensory bags will also be available for use and can be picked up at the Box Office beginning one hour prior to the performance. We require a photo ID be held at the Box Office while a sensory bag is being used.

My child/family member is deaf or hard of hearing. Will there be ASL interpreters at the sensory friendly performance?
No, but RMT does have assisted listening devices available upon request. Devices can be picked up at the Box Office beginning one hour prior to the performance. We require a photo ID be held at the Box Office while assisted listening devices are being used. Upon request, RMT does staff ASL interpreters for performances separate from the sensory friendly performance.

My child/family member is blind or has low vision. Can you accommodate us?
Yes. RMT will have large print programs available upon request. These can be picked up at the Box Office before the performance.

My family member is in a wheelchair. Can you accommodate us?
Yes. Both of RMT’s theatrical spaces offer accessible seating options, denoted online by a blue seat with a wheelchair icon, and green companion seat with a “C” icon. Accessible parking tickets are also available for the RMT Arts Campus lot.

Are service animals allowed in the theatre?
Yes, certified trained service animals as allowed by law. If you intend to bring a service animal to an event, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so an appropriate seat may be arranged.

Who can I contact if I have questions about RMT’s sensory friendly performances?
Please contact Patron Experience Manager Dakota Patrick, and he will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Dakota can be reached by email at dpatrick@redmountaintheatre.org or direct line at (205) 463-3627, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.

Need a sweet treat to beat the summer heat? Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Birmingham with these local ice cream spots to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Edgewood Creamery

936 Oxmoor Road, Homewood
(205) 874-1999
Open Daily 11am – 10:30pm

Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe

815 Shades Crest Rd, Birmingham
(205) 423-5055
Daily Hours Vary

Roll Up

Rolled ice cream

3015 Columbiana Road
Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Mountain Brook Creamery

2715 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook
(205) 870-0092

Big Spoon Creamery

Contemporary counter serve for traditional & seasonal ice cream scoops, sandwiches & sundaes.

Store:
4000 3rd Ave S #104, Birmingham
(205) 703-4712

Homewood:
927 Oxmoor Road
(205)637-0823

The Whole Scoop

1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
205-444-8000

K & J’s Elegant Pastries and Ice Cream

Cheerful confectionery crafting sweet treats like cookies & cupcakes in bright surrounds.

2260 9th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 663-4827

Bendy’s Ice Cream

3029 Pump House Rd Ste. 109, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Now open in Trussville: 220 Main Street, Trussville 35173

Neighbor’s West Homewood

715 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209

(205) 518-5521

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

219 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233

(205) 868-3416

This weekend is the time to save big on back to school shopping! Alabama’s 17th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, and ends at midnight Sunday, July 17, 2022, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, books and clothing free of the state’s four percent sales or use tax.

Here is a list of clothing items that will be tax exempt.

Clothing Items Included: ($100 or less per item)

Belts
Boots
Caps
Coats
Diapers
Dresses
Gloves
Gym Suits
Hats
Hosiery
Jackets
Jeans
Neckties
Pajamas
Pants
Raincoats
Robes
Sandals
Scarves
School Uniforms
Shirts
Shoes
Shorts
Socks
Sneakers
Underwear

School Supplies List: (Sale Price of less than $50 per item)

Binders
Blackboard Chalk
Book Bags
Calculators
Cellophane Tape
Compasses
Composition Books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic & manila)
Glue, paste, and paste sticks
Highlighters
Index Cards
Index Card Boxes
Legal Pads
Lunch Boxes
Markers
Notebooks
Paper (loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored
paper, poster board, and construction paper)
Pencil Boxes & Other School
Supply Boxes
Pencil Sharpeners
Pencils
Pens
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors
Writing Tablets

Art Supplies:

Clay & Glazes
Paints
(Acrylic, Tempora & Oil)
Paintbrushes for artwork
Sketch and Drawing Pads
Watercolors

Computers: (A single purchase of $750 or less)

Computer Storage Media; diskettes, compact disks
Handheld electronic schedulers, except devices that are cellular phones
Personal digital assistants, except devices that are cellular phones
Computer Printers
Printer Supplies for Computers (printer paper, printer ink)

Happy Shopping!

Red Mountain Theatre is delighted to produce one of the all-time classics in musical theatre this July and August – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. While still using the original score, with songs like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” the script has been given a witty, modern makeover by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane.

Director Valerie Accetta is excited to be making her Red Mountain Theatre Mainstage directorial debut as a summer break from her role as Head of Musical Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “What I love about this version of Cinderella is that Ella is the one who does the saving,” said Accetta. “She opens Prince Topher’s eyes to the inequities in his kingdom, and changes her whole village through her kindness and empathy. The idea that we each have the magic within us to make dreams come true AND change our communities is a powerful message to take away.” She continued, “I am grateful to be working with a beautifully diverse cast that brings unique perspectives to this timeless story.”

Talented up-and-comers Mariel Ardila, playing Ella, and Gabriel Bernal, playing Prince Topher, are stepping onto the Red Mountain Theatre stage for the first time. Many actors will be familiar faces to Birmingham theater fans, including Amy Johnson as the magical Marie, Dennis McLernon as the scheming advisor Sebastian, and Myiesha J. Duff as spoiled stepsister Charlotte. Colleen Bates Lance, who plays self-centered stepmother Madame, has been a favorite in the Birmingham theater scene since starring in Summerfest performances. The show also welcomes six young actors from the RMT Education Programs. The cast will be choreographed by another RMT favorite, Jamorris Rivers.

“It’s going to be an enchanted performance,” said RMT Managing Director Jennifer Jaquess. “I can’t spill the secrets of how the fairy tale has transferred to the stage, but it’s just as spellbinding as any movie magic. Our production team is pulling out all the stops to wow the audience.”

The opening night performance of Cinderella is Friday, July 15 at 8:00 p.m., and the production runs through August 7. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a sensory-friendly performance for patrons with special needs on Wednesday, July 20 at 2 p.m., and an ASL-interpreted evening performance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at redmountaintheatre.org. Tickets start at $25. The show is recommended for all ages. For more information on the show, or on our current Covid-19 Protocols, click HERE.

ABOUT RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE
Red Mountain Theatre is an organization that inspires audiences through powerful theatre experiences led by professionals who deliver engaging performances produced and presented with artistic integrity. In addition to theatre productions, RMT offers educational programs that build positive life skills for young people and provide growth opportunities for theatre professionals. The Birmingham-based nonprofit organization has been inspiring audiences, changing lives and creating conversations through theatre experiences since 1979.

Birmingham, Alabama, is a multifaceted Southern city full of activities for families with kids of all ages. With lush parks, ample green spaces, a children’s museum, a zoo, a hip yet family-friendly restaurant scene, sports teams and a rich civil rights history, it’s not surprising that it’s recent growth, revitalization of it’s downtown, and booming suburbs, caught the eye of the International World Games Association and was chosen to be the host city to the 2022 World Games. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation for your family, you will find Birmingham is the perfect mix of attractions, events and accommodations.

Since visiting Birmingham during the spring and fall is considered the off season, it’s not only economical but it’s mild year round temperatures will give you the perfect weather for outdoor activities like exploring some of the best hiking trails in the south or checking out one of their many festivals. Summer months bring warmer temps, more travelers looking for the opportunity to enjoy the lakes, and events that celebrate the eclectic food scene.

Here are the top things for families to know when visiting Birmingham.

How to Get There:

Fly into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, less than 5 miles from the downtown city center and minutes away from many local attractions.

Where to Stay:

Many hotels around Birmingham offer charm and historical ambiance and are convenient to downtown and surrounding areas.

The Redmont Hotel Birmingham, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is the oldest-running hotel in Birmingham, outfitted with contemporary luxury. First opened in 1925, it was completely restored in 2016 with careful attention to original details, such as the crystal chandelier, beautiful marble staircase and wrought-iron handrail.

The Westin Birmingham offers generous sized rooms, a rooftop pool and stunning views of the city skyline.

The Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham/Lakeshore Drive features spacious rooms, an indoor pool and close proximity to restaurants and Red Mountain Park, just minutes from downtown proper.

What to See and Do:

Downtown Birmingham

If you only have a short time to explore Birmingham, start downtown. You’ll find a trifecta of children’s activities, city history and dining options.

McWane Science Center is four floors of science and discovery, with exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space travel, an aquarium and touch tank, and an Imax Dome Theater. The center is open seven days a week and has paid parking on-site.

Pizitz Food Hall, directly across the street from McWane Science Center, will satisfy the family’s taste buds with an exciting collection of food stalls that offer a wide range of cuisines from well-known local chefs. It serves as a tribute to culinary tradition as well as Birmingham’s growing status as an ambitious food city, thanks to it’s array of honors and ample selection of both casual and fine dining options.

Railroad Park, a 19-acre green space in the middle of downtown, is commonly referred to as “Birmingham’s Living Room” for its ability to bring people together for outdoor recreation. On any given day you will find family exercise classes, concerts performed by the local symphony, festivals and events supporting local groups and charities. Stroll around the lake or grab a smoked sausage dog and french fries from the Boxcar Café for lunch on the sprawling lawn.

Regions Field, home of the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team, is a must-see for baseball fans visiting from April to September. Regions Field incorporates a variety of family fun for fans of all ages, including a mini wiffle-ball field, playground equipment, batting cages and a fun zone with inflatables. If you attend a game on Friday, stick around afterward for a spectacular fireworks show. The SwitchYard on 14th serves up brewpub food and is open during Barons home games and the rest of the year.

What to See and Do: The Outdoors

Birmingham is home to miles of natural beauty and makes the perfect outdoor adventure for any family.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of the top free attractions in the city. Walk through 30 distinct gardens on the 60-acre grounds, each focusing on a particular plant type (such as hostas, lilies or woodland trees) or design style (such as a vegetable garden or one for people with different physical abilities). In the popular Japanese Garden, kids will love to look for colorful koi and explore the bonsai house. After a relaxing morning in nature, try some of the best finger sandwiches to ever touch your mouth, at Ousler in Mountain Brook, just a half-mile from the gardens.

The Birmingham Zoo is a staple for families. From Trails of Africa to the Children’s Zoo and everything in-between, the Birmingham Zoo features animals from all over the world, easily making it one of the state’s most popular attractions. If you visit during the summer, make sure to pack a swimsuit, as the kids will love splashing around the splash pad. Located just across the street from the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, visiting both attractions is the perfect way to spend one of your days in Birmingham.

Alabama’s largest park, Oak Mountain State Park is about 20 miles south of downtown Birmingham and has ample room for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding and camping. The 25 miles of hiking trails range in difficulty to provide many options for adventurous families. One of the most popular hikes is on the Blue Trail, which leads to King’s Chair and the park’s most impressive view of the valley below. On the park’s lakes, you can kayak, paddleboard, canoe and fish; during the summer months, you can climb a floating obstacle course. Car camping and cabin camping are available year-round.

Moss Rock Preserve, about 15 miles south of downtown Birmingham, features 12 miles of trails amid waterfalls and streams and large rock outcroppings that are ideal for bouldering (rock climbing without the need for equipment). Dozens of climbing routes appeal to a wide range of skills, from beginner to experienced. After a long day of exploring, enjoy a plate of tacos at family-friendly Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila or some pizza at Vecchia.