2026 Creative Power Celebration

AFA is committed to accessibility at the 2026 Creative Power Celebration. When you reserve your tickets through our online form, you will be prompted to inform us of any accommodations you or your guests may need. Below, we have outlined our accessibility considerations at the event. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us at [email protected] or 608-241-2131.

The Creative Power Celebration will take place on the fourth floor of the Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts) in the Starlight Theater. More information about the Starlight Theater can be found here. MYArts is a wheelchair-accessible space with two centrally located elevators and easy drop-off locations via parking garage and outdoor entrances. 

When informing AFA about your or your guests accommodations in your ticket reservation form, please consider the following accommodations we will have available:

• Assisted Listening Devices: AFA has access to assisted listening devices for use during the Awards Presentation. They work by amplifying and clarifying sound, and by cutting out ambient noise. Assistive Listening Devices come with an individual receiver—about the size of a small flip phone. If you or a guest would like to use an assisted listening device, please let us know in advance so that we can have it ready for you at check-in. There are two types of headsets available:
  • The assistive listening device may be used with headphones (provide your own or borrow ones from MYArts) to provide amplified sound to each ear.
  • The ear phone/neck loop lanyard can be used as the induction loop for those users who have T-coil enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants, inducing the received audio directly into these T-coil enabled devices. (Guests should discuss with their audiologist whether their hearing aid or cochlear implant has a “T” switch and how to use it with an Assistive Listening Headset. Guests also have the option of bringing their own headset or earbuds to use with our receivers.
• ASL Interpretation: American Sign Language interpreters will be present during the Awards Presentation. Please let us know if you or your guest needs reserved theater seats near ASL interpreters.
• Braille Printing: AFA is happy to provide programs printed in braille. Please let us know in advance if you would like a braille program so that we can ensure we print enough copies.
• Come-and-Go Policy: During the Awards Presentation, please feel free to come and go as needed. All guests are welcome to leave the space at any time during performances, for any reason.
• Flexible Seating: If you or a guest would prefer to sit near an aisle where you can easily leave the theater during the Awards Presentation, we are happy to seat you in one of our Flexible Seating Options. Please let us know your needs so that we can reserve your seats in advance.
• Sensory-Friendly Lighting: The overhead lights over the audience, otherwise known as the house lights, will be kept on during the duration of the Awards Presentation. There will be no strobe light effect or flashing lights. Flash photography at this event is strictly prohibited.
• Sensory-Friendly Room: We will have a sensory-friendly room available for guests who may need a break from the event. Guests may watch the event livestream in the sensory-friendly room.
• Sensory Kits: Sensory kits are available for guests at MYArts and include over-the-ear headphones, sunglasses, and sensory fidgets. Please let us know if you would like to utilize one of these kits so that we can have it available for you at check-in.
• Wellness Room: MYArts has a Wellness Room located on the third floor where guests can find a private space with a changing table, comfortable chair, adjustable lighting, sink, and paper towels. If you need a private space to cool down, talk, or breast feed, please ask an AFA staff member for help finding this space.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: The Starlight Theater features seating for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Please let us know if you or a guest are in need of one of these seating options so that we can reserve your seats in advance.

MYArts has a paid parking garage accessible off of Ingersoll St. This garage has accessible parking spots. Parking is free for under 15 minutes, so if you are dropping off a guest who is using a mobility device, this may be a good place to coordinate drop off and pick up.

Additional street parking is available on the street surrounding MYArts. For up-to-date street parking information please refer to the City of Madison's street parking map.

Guests may also be dropped off on the corner of E Mifflin St and Ingersoll where there are accessible curb ramps.

The Madison Youth Arts Center is located at 1055 E. Mifflin Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. 

Whether entering through the main entrance or garage entrance, you will enter in the first-floor lobby. AFA will have ample signage and greeters to direct you once you enter. You are always welcome to stop at the front desk in the lobby to check in with the MYArts staff for direction, too.

The Creative Power Celebration will start on the fourth floor. After the reception, guests are welcome to experience the Creative Power Showcase on all four floors.

Our friends at the Children's Theater of Madison (CTM) created a helpful social story to help guests to prepare to attend a performance at the Starlight Theater. While this story is specific to seeing a CTM show, their guide is helpful to understand what the lobby and performances spaces might look and feel. To view their resource, click here.

Sequins to sneakers - come as you feel most comfortable to celebrate!