Unmask the Arts

Inclusive arts access

NEURODIVERGENT AUTHENTICITY IS THE NEW THEATER ETIQUETTE

…because the performing arts should be for us all.

Learn MoreOur Story
Colorful audience gathered in a theater
UA

A little history

Our Story

Unmask the Arts was founded by Emma Kent in 2025 after spending twenty years dancing, and four years working with kids on the autism spectrum. When a client's mother shared how daunting theater environments could be for her child, Emma established an organization with the goal of changing that reality. UA has since grown to offer accessible opportunities for audience members and performers alike.

Colorful sensory table with accessible fidget tools

Access in action

SENSORY-TABLE RENTAL

AVAILABLE FOR CONCERTS AND EVENTS TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY.

EMAIL US AT [email protected] TO LEARN MORE!

Making room for everyone

WHY UNMASK THE ARTS?

01

Masking in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with ASD are often skilled at masking. They may mimic social behaviors and suppress stimming to fit in. Masking often leads to burnout.

02

What is traditional theater etiquette?

Traditional theater etiquette emphasizes the need to be silent and to sit still.

03

What is Masking?

Masking is the effort of individuals with neurodivergence to hide their unique traits and behaviors to fit in with societal norms.

04

Traditional Theater etiquette requires many in these communities to mask

For some, this is uninviting due to the mental cost of masking. For others, this is unattainable and creates a glass ceiling to their ability to engage and attend in theater related art forms.

05

Masking in Intellectual Disabilities

Individuals with IDs often have a lower capacity for masking IDs can interfere with the self-awareness and social understanding needed to consistently hide traits. Nobody should be expected to hide who they are.

Come as you are

Upcoming Events

No events at the moment

Past events

Moments we’ve shared

Each gathering is a chance to make the arts feel more welcoming, more flexible, and more joyful. Explore a few highlights from our recent events.

Guests gathered at an Unmask the Arts community event

Dance Playhouse: Unmasked

This performance included works from Dance Playhouse, Arts in Motion, Cody Hytinen, and John Jandernoa. Audience members, families, and artists came together to celebrate accessible arts experiences. 54 tickets selected with 24 going to individuals with sensory sensitivities, 17 going to caregivers and families, and 13 purchased by our UA supporters. This event occurred on July 18th, 2026

Participants enjoying an Unmask the Arts event

Grand Rapids: Unmasked

This performance included works from Movement Reservoir and Arts in Motion. Audience members, families, and artists came together to celebrate accessible arts experiences. 70 tickets selected with 41 going to individuals with sensory sensitivities, 29 going to caregivers and families. This event occurred on April 25th, 2026.

Unmask the Arts event gathering

Wellspring Unmasked

In partnership with Wellspring, Unmask the Arts cultivated our first Sensory-Friendly concert! Wellspring graciously allowed us to rework their previously established concert to be sensory-friendly. 100 tickets were sponsored by our organization to ensure audience members had the space and understanding to show up as their authentic selves. This event occurred on November 22nd, 2025.