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That is music to many parents’ ears, as inclusive performances are being designed especially for children and young adults with sensory sensitivities, who are on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs.
A number of theater and dance groups in Rochester are working to offer relaxed and accessible performances. This entails tailoring the live-show experience, by leaving the lights on in the theater, although dimmed, for those who fear the dark and also allowing families to come and go as they need.
Loud noises, sudden movements, and flashing lights onstage are reduced or modified, so guests are not overwhelmed or startled. Also, quiet rooms with fidget toys are provided.
Some theaters, such as Nazareth Arts Center, limit seating to blocks of four to six so there is adequate space around groups. Other theaters encourage parents to choose their own seats and request space between seats or rows if desired.
The Rochester City Ballet has been creating a sensory-friendly performance each winter for four years. The dance company’s Cinderella performance on March 11 was a sell-out, as the RCB team made the family outing to the ballet fully inclusive, including crafting pre-events that eased children into the experience.
RCB’s program, under the direction of Executive Director Nichole Gantshar, was created to welcome children on the Autism Spectrum to live performances. However, RCB has found many families with children with special needs are concerned that a child might disrupt the performance. They feel welcome at the sensory-friendly show for many reasons.
“We call it the performance where no one says ‘shush,’” Gantshar said.
One of the first theater companies to offer sensory-friendly performances was TYKES at the JCC, and the group has already offered such performances during the 2017- 2018 season.
RAPA Family Theatre added sensory- friendly performances to its current season, with performances at Kodak Center on West Ridge Road. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. RAPA also offers a preview social-story, to increase engagement, as well as gluten-free concessions, since many children with special needs have dietary restrictions.
The next sensory-friendly RAPA show will be Treasure Island on Sunday, May 6, at 4:30pm. For more information, visit rapatheatre.org.
“RAPA’s sensory-friendly shows strive to create a welcoming environment for people with disabilities, and their families and friends, to participate in a high-quality creative arts experience with additional supports,” said Barb Martorana, director of the Department for Exceptional Children at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, which with AutismUp helped RAPA create their new program.
Nazareth College Arts Center’s welcomes the Vital Theatre Company’s performance of Pinkalicious in May, with a sensory- friendly performance at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5 at Nazareth Arts Center. To reserve tickets visit www2.naz.edu/arts-center or call the box office at (585) 389-2170.
The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the- Lake has just announced a relaxed performance of its production of The Magician’s Nephew (based on the C.S. Lewis novel) at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. The production will have “a relaxed approach to noise, movement, sound, and light.” Learn more at shawfest.com/visit/accessibility/.
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