By Karlee Marroncelli ’27, staff writer
The immersive experience of theatre can be a thrilling sight to see, but what about those who have sensory issues that prevent them from fully enjoying it as well?
Sensory-friendly performances have been on the rise over the past decade, providing an opportunity for those who may not feel fully comfortable attending a live theatrical performance to do so. Through changes in lighting, sound, and other modifications, the world of theatre is expanded to even more people.
So far at LVC, there have been two sensory-friendly performances, which were produced by the music theatre department. Senior interaction design major, Megan Arnold, is the director of production and stage manager for the department, and has played a key role in putting on these performances.
“Making a show sensory-friendly takes time and commitment in a different way than producing a standard show. At LVC, we partner with the Arc of Lancaster and Lebanon for our sensory-friendly performances,” Arnold said.
Partnering with the Arc of Lancaster and Lebanon allows the MT department to publicise the sensory-friendly performances to those who could benefit from the events.
According to Arnold, making a performance sensory-friendly is not a complicated process. Within the show, the technical aspects are changed to have decreased lighting effects, lowered sound levels, and adjustments to props and movements.
At the beginning of these performances, these aspects are acknowledged to the audience, so that they are aware of what will be happening throughout the performance. Other than these changes, the stories being told remain the same.
“We always strive to make the audience experience as fun and comfortable as possible, and sensory-friendly shows allow us to extend that to more people than ever,” Arnold said.
Not only do these types of shows give recognition to the accessibility in theatrical performances, but they also create new opportunities in theatre.
“These shows allow us to give some community members their first-ever theatrical experience because they have not been able to attend a standard performance,” Arnold explains. “Theatre has made such an impact on all of our lives in the program, and I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience that.”
Take the next step in supporting accessible theatre. For more information about sensory-friendly performances, contact Megan Arnold at mla002@lvc.edu. You can also purchase tickets, sensory-friendly or standard, at lvcmt.booktix.com and become part of an inclusive theatre community.