Two of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s productions in its 2014-15 lineup will include sensory-friendly adaptations at select performances.
For the second year, the troupe will adapt one presentation of “The Nutcracker” so that it will be more approachable for audience members with sensory sensitivities, such as those on the autism spectrum. In February, PBT will open the second half of the season with its inaugural run of Lew Christensen’s “Beauty and the Beast,” which also will include a sensory-friendly performance.
Accommodations will include quiet spaces and activity stations in the lobby, adjustments to potentially startling sounds and lighting effects and relaxed house rules so that guests can freely stand and move to and from their seats as needed. Prior to the performances, ticketholders will receive pre-visit guides that will help familiarize them with the ballet, the layout of the Benedum Center and the overall theater-going experience. Last season, PBT was the first professional ballet company to present a “Nutcracker” performance tailored to those with autism, sensory sensitivities and other special needs.
The sensory-friendly “Nutcracker” will be 2 p.m. Dec. 23; the adapted “Beauty & the Beast” performance will be 11 a.m. Feb. 13. Single tickets for each will go on sale Aug. 25 with discounts available for qualifying families. Subscription packages for audiences to experience both performances at discounted ticket prices and full subscriber benefits also are options. Information: www.pbt.org or 412-454-9107.
First Published: August 1, 2014, 4:00 a.m.