SARATOGA SPRINGS —When Saratoga’s Home Made Theater presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time it will mark the fourth presentation of its current season. It will however break new ground by presenting its first sensory-friendly production on Wednesday night May 4th.
Many theatrical productions contain imagery and/or sustained flashing lights that may affect those sensitive to such sensations, including those with photosensitive epilepsy or on the autism spectrum. Sensory-friendly productions allow patrons with sensory sensitivity to safely enjoy live theater by making appropriate changes to lights, sound, imagery and pace without affecting the story line or artistic presentation of the production.
Additional accommodations to the physical environment of the theater, including permitting stress balls, fidget toys, earplugs and noise-canceling headphones in the theater assist those that benefit by them. Designated quiet rooms and areas are also provided for patrons who find the live theater experience upsetting or too intense.
Performers, production staff and volunteers are trained in expectations and the appropriate responses to a unique audience. It is all designed to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment created by an audience of people with similar experiences.
When such sensory-friendly productions first were performed on Broadway they were primarily musicals. It is not lost on Home Made Theater General Manager, Eric Rudy that The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was the first sensory-friendly performance of a non-musical in Broadway history when he stated “We are extremely proud of our ability to bring this fine production to the sensory sensitive community here in the Saratoga area. Bringing the joy of live theater in an appropriate setting for every member of our audience fulfills our mission of entertainment in particularly gratifying way.” Home Made Theater Board of Directors President, Erin Fenton concurs “While we are always proud of the productions we put forth, this effort to include families who would otherwise find attendance uncomfortable truly underscores our commitment to a quality comfortable theater experience for all.”
Business Manager Erin Nicole Harrington further notes “The professional guidance we received to make this production sensory-friendly was met with enthusiasm by our board, staff and volunteers and we look forward to this being just the first of many such productions.”
Tickets may be purchased for the May 4 performance as well as the performances on April 29, 30 May 1, 6,7 and 8 at homemadetheater.org.
