A Sensory Friendly Theatre series specially designed for children with autism and related disabilities is coming to the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) in Rahway, NJ. The new series, which begins on June 10, 2012 with Tom Chapin and Friends, is designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. The Performing Arts Center is committed to a creating a judgment-free zone with plenty of trained specialists who understand autism and similar disabilities.
What Can You Expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre Event:
- Each performance will run 60 minutes with an intermission.
- Seating is general admission and a limited number of tickets will be sold to maintain a comfortable size audience at each performance.
- Lights will remain up inside the theater auditorium.
- Sound volume will be lowered and remain constant to prevent abrupt jarring sounds.
- Children will be free to talk and vocalize as they wish.
- Children may leave their seats under parental supervision.
- A private lounge area will be available where children and their families can relax. Fidget- and stress-sensory toys will be available for children to borrow as needed.
- Professional Autism specialists will be available throughout the performance to provide assistance as requested or needed.
- Resource Materials: “This Is My Theatre” Social Story Picture Packet, will be available for download on the UCPAC website soon. Families may use this Social Story tool to help acquaint their children with the experience of going to a live performance.
- Families who have not been to the Union County Performing Arts Center are invited to stop by and visit the theatre space and explore the seating areas two hours before the performance or by appointment prior to the performance date.
The series of three performances includes:
- Tom Chapin and Friends on June 10
- Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories presented by Pushcart Players on October 7
- Pinocchio presented by the New Jersey Ballet on November 4
All shows begin at 2 pm and all seats are $8 per person.
For more information about this program or additional accommodations at UCPAC, please contact Danni Rumsey at 732-499-0441 x221.
The Union County Performing Arts Center is located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street.
The Sensory Friendly Theatre series is made possible by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Freeholder Chairman’s 2012 “Putting People First” initiatives.
