12/18/2024
Sensory Inclusive
Photo by Geri Kodey
A gaggle of little green ogres eagerly entered Reynolds Hall for a very special morning at the theater during Thanksgiving weekend.
As part of The Smith Center’s mission to provide welcoming, inclusive theater experiences to all in the Southern Nevada community, the performing arts center recently collaborated with the cast and crew of Shrek The Musical to present a sensory-inclusive performance on November 30.
Those aforementioned ogres stood out in The Smith Center’s Grand Lobby thanks to neon green headbands adorned with tiny ogre ears obtained from the tour’s souvenir stand. Guests could also snap a photo in front of a themed backdrop before finding their spots.
“We always enjoy these sensory-friendly productions,” Las Vegan Dorinda tells The Smith Center.
Unlike a traditional performance of a mainstage musical, for this sensory-inclusive presentation of Shrek, the house lights intentionally do not darken completely, the overall volume of the speakers is lowered and special effects that include elements such as strobes or flashing are muted. Even Shrek’s roars are a little less boisterous, just in case.
Additionally, two American Sign Language interpreters accompanied the performance, and headphones with audio description tablets were available, along with noise-cancelling headphones for those needing a more muted experience.
The Smith Center also establishes quiet areas during sensory-inclusive shows, for those who may need to take a break, and has a team of supportive staff and volunteers at the ready.
“I was near overwhelmed by the courtesy and understanding and assistance of The Smith personnel,” guest Judy recounts. “I was a little concerned taking a special needs relative, but you all made the experience without compare! Thank you from the depths of my heart.”
Says guest Kathy about the sensory-inclusive Shrek: “Wonderful day and experience for my 14-year-old son with autism. The opportunity to attend the sensory-friendly performance of Shrek The Musical allowed him to completely enjoy himself from beginning to end. “
The Smith Center and its partners specifically designed these performances to accommodate audience members with diverse needs and sensory sensitivities – and not just children. Any individual with a physical, emotional, intellectual or developmental disability, as well as those without disabilities, are welcome to attend. The modifications include consideration for those with diagnoses including, but not limited to: autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, ADD/ADHD, intellectual and developmental disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease.
“My son, who has autism, sat through the entire show and was very focused,” says guest Renee. “I was pleasantly surprised.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing this wonderful experience for the community,” attendee Ritha says. “My son is intellectually challenged and has behavioral challenges. He loves to dress up and attend these shows. And he talks about the shows for days. He has never had a behavior outburst at any of the shows. A double ‘Yay.’”
Parents expressed that they personally benefited from the relaxed theater etiquette rules at the sensory-inclusive performances as well. “[Shrek The Musical] was not only fun and funny, but the standard anxiety I’d have taking my kids to a theater in anticipation of how it would go was nearly non-existent!” Las Vegan Chelsea tells The Smith Center. “I felt we were safe from judgment and free to enjoy, to ‘come as we are.’ So thankful for the opportunity!”
The Smith Center’s Education and Outreach Department would like to extend its thanks to the staff and clinicians at the Grant A Gift Autism Foundation, Touro University Nevada Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, UNLV Ackerman Center for Autism, FEAT of Southern Nevada, Nevada PEP, Opportunity Village, Sport Social, Wellman Therapy Services, Autism Coalition of Nevada and the Center for Child and Family Development for their guidance and support.
Sensory-inclusive performances are made possible through a major gift from Windsong Trust, NV Energy Foundation and other generous Smith Center donors. Learn more about upcoming sensory-inclusive performances at TheSmithCenter.com.