Experiencing Theater Differently
Upper School students create a sensory-friendly version of the musical Les Misérables.
Imagine walking down a busy city street with cars speeding by, engines revving, music filtering out of a restaurant and dogs barking. The average person can differentiate the sounds and even carry on a conversation, but for those with sensory sensitivities, it all blends together and can be overwhelming—even anxiety-inducing. Now envision going to a theater with the same sensitivities. When your audio and visual stimuli are at a higher level, seeing a play isn’t as enjoyable.
During a discussion about sharing the power of art and theater, students wanted this year’s musical, Les Misérables, to be more inclusive. They wanted to open the experience to an audience that might be overlooked: individuals with sensory sensitivities. This was where the idea of a sensory-friendly version of the musical was born.
In addition to three traditional performances, the technical theater students worked together to restructure the show without altering the artistic integrity. To maintain a normalized audio level, softer sound effects are implemented, the microphone levels are lowered, and the orchestra plays within a base range sound level. Visual adjustments include omitting strobe lights, refraining from directing lights at the audience and keeping the house lights on at a low level during the entire performance. Leaving the lights on allows attendees to see what is around them, and they may move to other seats or leave the theater during the performance. Other accommodations include a designated quiet area on campus.
Patrons are encouraged to bring fidget toys, headphones and weighted blankets (to maintain comfort). On Saturday, March 2, an event called Meet Your Seat allows attendees to tour the theater, check out their seat and view their surroundings in advance of the show. Mike Peveich, technical theater director, will also show samples of materials used for the set and examples of costumes to give theatergoers a behind-the-scenes experience.
The goal is to create a comfort level that reduces distractions or fixations during the performance. Students in the performing arts and community service are partnering to expand the feeling of community at LJCDS, so patrons may experience entertainment as a family in a judgment-free setting.
“I know first-hand how difficult it can be to come to performances, as I have a brother with Down syndrome,” shares Riley Bowen ’21. “A program like this takes some of that pressure off of families like mine and allows for a special experience. I think that having a sensory-friendly production of Les Misérables shows how inclusive La Jolla Country Day School is and the effort that everyone is willing to put in to make it that way.”
A sensory-friendly version of Les Misérables will take place on Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. Click here for FAQs and here to reserve tickets.
La Jolla Country Day School
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2024 La Jolla Country Day School
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La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2024 La Jolla Country Day School
Privacy Policy
COVID-19 Prevention Plan
