Landmark's Sensory Performance of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Landmark Community Theatre, Inc. will be presenting a sensory-friendly performance of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2:00 PM at the Thomaston Opera House.

A “sensory friendly” performance is a theatre production that is modified to accommodate individuals with sensory-input disorders, including autism spectrum, anxiety, and a range of cognitive abilities. The sensory friendly performance is specially designed for children and adults with sensory-input disorders, autism, or other developmental or cognitive disabilities, as well as their families and caretakers. Landmark promises a judgment-free, fun experience for the entire family. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

At this performance, “house rules” will be relaxed – people may need to get up, move around, and even leave the theatre during the performance. There is no expectation that the audience will be completely quiet during the performance. Landmark volunteers will be available throughout the performance to help patrons that might have any questions. A Quiet Room will be available with sensory friendly toys for anyone who needs a break from the performance.

The goal is to create an environment where people with autism or sensory needs, along with their families, can enjoy coming to the theatre together and will feel comfortable, supported, and free to be themselves.

“This sensory friendly performance is extremely important to families with members on the autism spectrum, as well as families with members of other special needs,” Landmark Community Theatre Chair Gary Kingsbury told me. He emphasized that these young people will be able to attend a live theater performance, many for the first time in their lives, because of the changes that will be made to the performance and the venue.

Kingsbury, who is the producer of this performance, knows that these parents are frequently judged negatively when they take their family member out in public. As a retired speech and language therapist, inclusiveness is something that has always been close to his heart.

“I want to stress that we will be providing a non-judgmental environment for these parents and children,” he added.

It is expected that there will be noise in the audience. If the noise gets to be too much, audience members are welcome to step out of the theatre, but this is not necessary. The volunteers and cast have had training so that they know what to expect in terms of noise and movement in the audience. If someone decides they cannot finish the show, they can leave the theatre early. If they simply need a break, they may use the Quiet Room and then return to their seat if they choose to do so.

While the script of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” will not be changed, some of the technical elements will be softened to accommodate sensitive ears and eyes. Lights in the audience will remain lit at a dim level during the entire show to allow safe movement in and out of the theatre. Abrupt and loud sound effects will be lowered, but some audience members might prefer to use earplugs or headphones. The theatre encourages families to bring any items that might make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Landmark Community Theatre, Inc. has prepared a plot synopsis, character guide, and social story to help prepare audience members for the experience. They encourage families and caretakers to read the synopsis of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and use the character guide, and social story to prepare for the whole theatrical experience, from beginning to end. These items will be available on their website about a week before the performance.

All individuals, regardless of their sensory needs, are welcome to attend the performance and to take advantage of the adaptations that a sensory friendly performance provides. All ticket buyers to this performance will be informed of these alterations.

Tickets are $26 and can be obtained by calling (860) 283-8558 or may be purchased on the website at landmarkcommunitytheatre.org