FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Contact: Meghan McNamara
Marketing Coordinator
412-454-9117
mmcnamara@pittsburghballet.org
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to Premiere First-Ever Autism Friendly Performance of The Nutcracker
(Pittsburgh, PA) – Marking the final day of Autism Awareness Month, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre announces the 2013 premiere of its first-ever autism-friendly production of The Nutcracker, the first of its kind in the country to make the magic of the holiday classic accessible to children on the autism spectrum and their families. The autism-friendly performance will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2013 at the Benedum Center.
“The Nutcracker is a holiday staple in ballet companies across the country and an annual tradition for many families here in Pittsburgh, so we are particularly excited to pilot this program with a timeless story that reaches so many people year after year,” said PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr. “With this special performance, we want families to know that we are performing with them in mind and welcome them to experience this production in a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere.”
To be autism-friendly, the entire theater will be reserved for families with individuals on the autism spectrum to create a fully supportive audience environment. Autism-friendly accommodations will include designated quiet areas and activity stations in the lobby, adjustments to potentially startling light, sound and special effects and opportunities for families and children to familiarize themselves with the production in advance. Throughout the performance, the house lights will remain dimly lit and audience members will be free to come and go from their seats as needed. In advance of the performance, PBT will distribute online an illustrated guide, or social story, to walk audience members through the theater experience from the layout of the Benedum Center to the characters, scenery and music of The Nutcracker production.
“This is a performance where families can come as they are and be who they are. Whether they are looking for a new artistic experience, bonding time with their family, or simply an escape into a magical world, we can offer all of that through this performance, “said PBT Education Director Alyssa Herzog Melby, who heads Accessibility Initiatives at PBT. “We hope that we can become a model for other ballet companies across the country to open their doors to people on the autism spectrum, sharing the beauty of what we do with all people in our community.”
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect 1 in 88 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The effects of autism are unique to every individual, though ASD characterizations usually include difficulties with social interaction and communication. Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities in response to sounds or sights, which is one of the focused areas of adaptation for autism-friendly productions.
Although autism-friendly productions have begun to establish a foothold in the theater world, autism-friendly performances are relatively new to ballet. This year, for example, New Jersey Ballet presented an autism-friendly version of Pinocchio; but, to date, no other U.S. ballet company has presented an autism-friendly version of The Nutcracker, according to PBT research.
“Very few times in our careers as dancers will we get the chance to do something this important. The autism-friendly performance will join Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project as one of those defining moments for me,” said PBT Dancer Stephen Hadala, who has performed in all 11 seasons of Terrence S. Orr’s The Nutcracker. “This performance gives us an opportunity to use our art form to do something for the community, and it’s exciting to be able to share ballet with children who might not ordinarily experience a production.”
In order to adapt the ballet, PBT worked with a focus group represented by local autism advocacy groups – including Autism Speaks of Greater Pittsburgh and ABOARD’s Autism Connection of Pennsylvania – parents of children with autism and individuals on the autism spectrum. After watching the production and learning about characters, music and scenery, the group submitted recommendations to adapt the production to viewers on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities.
PBT also looked to other organizations as models, including the Theatre Development Fund’s Autism Theatre Initiative, which presented the first autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show in October 2011 with Disney's musical The Lion King. PBT thanks TDF’s Autism Theatre Initiative for serving as an advisor during the planning process. Locally, PBT acknowledges The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for its leadership in establishing best practices and providing Benedum Center staff training for autism-friendly performances. Lead funding support for PBT’s autism-friendly production of The Nutcrackercomes from the Edith L. Trees Foundation.
PBT will kick off the first fundraising event for the initiative on May 20, with a special edition of “No Menu Monday” at Bar Marco in the Strip District. PBT dancers will be serving signature dishes prepared by a featured guest chef. All proceeds will benefit PBT’s autism-friendly performance of The Nutcracker.
TICKETS
Tickets for the autism-friendly performance will be available at a discounted rate to families with members on the autism spectrum, and will go on sale September 3, 2013 with regular single ticket sales. Information to purchase the tickets will be distributed through PBT’s partners within the autism community. For more information about tickets, please call 412-454-9107.
ABOUT PBT ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES
The autism-friendly performance fits into PBT’s overarching Accessibility Initiative, which made several significant strides during the 2012-2013 Season. 2012-2013 accessibility accomplishments included the introduction of PBT’s Audio Description for Dance program, large-print and braille programs and other accommodations for people with visual impairments and special needs. For more information about Accessibility at PBT, please visit www.pbt.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility.
Media Note: For interviews and photos, please contact Meghan McNamara at 412-454-9117 or mmcnamara@pittsburghballet.org.
###
Posted on behalf of
Dreamweaver Marketing Associates. Joyce
Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support
company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance,
creative design services and light bookkeeping.
Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work
'on' their business rather than 'in' their business. www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh
No comments:
Post a Comment