Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College Produces Sensory-Friendly Performance of ‘Story Squad’ May 19
May 13, 2013
COLUMBIA, SC – May 19, 2013 – Harbison Theatre is excited to reprise this Fall’s hit, ‘Story Squad’ for a sensory-friendly performance designed to engage all audiences, particularly those along the autistism spectrum and others who live with sensory sensitivity. This sensory-friendly performance will be the first produced by a professional company in the Midlands and will be performed on Sunday, May 19, at 3 pm.
Sensory-friendly performances are productions slightly modified to create a more comfortable, enjoyable experience for audience members along the autistism spectrum and for those who experience other sensory sensitivity. Loud sounds are quieter, surprising elements not as surprising; the lights over the audience are not as dark, and ushers are trained to unobtrusively alert parents and other audience members to upcoming mood, music, or lighting changes. Sensory-friendly performances are also accompanied by social stories that help prepare audience members for the experience. The social story for this Story Squad performance may be found at HarbisonTheatre.org/sensory-friendly-story-squad/.
The cast of Story Squad and the technical staff of Harbison Theatre have worked with Jessie Baughman, lead case manager for Palmetto Autism Interventions, and with Susanna Fomby, former Columbia residents and consultant to the sensory-friendly performance of The Lion King on Broadway, to tailor this performance for its guest audience. Says Baughman, Sensory disorders, common but not limited to individuals with autism, can make attending some events and outings challenging for families. By offering sensory-friendly performances, Harbison Theatre provides an inclusive and judgment-free environment in which Midland’s children and their families can have an opportunity to experience the arts. Fostering programs for children to learn and share experiences together, despite disability, is essential to the community, and my hope is that more organizations in the Midlands follow the example of Harbison Theatre.
Darion McCloud, creator and captain of the Story Squad, agrees, What a cool, unique way to engage our entire community. When Katie approached me with the idea we were all in. We are proud to participate and it’s a fun challenge.
The idea to produce a sensory-friendly version of the original show was that of Katie Fox, Director of Theatre Operations. Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College is a place where everyone belongs, says Fox. That includes audience members for whom theatrical performances may sometimes feel stressful. We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome an audience with sensory sensitivity through our doors and we hope to see other performing arts organizations offer such performances in the future.
About Story Squad: Story Squad celebrates the myriad ways that humans communicate our stories – through spoken words, song, lights, music, and more. The show is the first production born of the Harbison Theatre at MTC Incubator for New Artistic Work. The Incubator invited Darion McCloud, renowned and beloved storyteller, actor, and director based in Columbia, to create a new production that would be suitable for touring to other communities. Mr. McCloud assembled his squad of musicians, actors, and storytellers and together they created Story Squad. The show will tour both its original and its sensory-friendly performance.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/426698484092329/
Tickets: $10 all ages
This projected is partially funded by the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC.
About Harbison Theatre
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College presents high-quality performances and events that strengthen the education of our students, deepen our relationship with the community, and make the Midlands a region where people love to learn, work, play, and prosper. To learn about upcoming events, purchase tickets, and pursue volunteer opportunities with Harbison Theatre, please visit http://www.HarbisonTheatre.org.
Harbison Theatre on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HarbisonTheatre
Harbison Theatre on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HarbisonTheatre
About Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College is a comprehensive, multi-campus, public, two-year college serving the primary region of Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. The college enrolls approximately 18,000 credit students annually, and provides continuing education to 30,000 individuals and hundreds of area businesses each year. MTC is the largest provider of transfer students to the University of South Carolina. www.midlandstech.edu.
Press Contact: Katie Fox, Director of Operations, Harbison Theatre, [email protected]
