A day at the theater, something everyone should be able to experience. That's why throughout the play season, the Wharton Center at Michigan State University is doing something to make sure everyone can experience just that.
"We're just so excited to be able to bring a sensory-friendly performance like this to the Wharton Center," Wharton Center Public Relations Manager Bob Hoffman said.
The goal is to be more inclusive for those on the autism spectrum or with other sensitivity issues. FOX 47 spoke with the public relations manager for the event, he told me its important for everyone to feel included.
"There's a huge segment of the population that is on the spectrum and they deserve to come and have live entertainment in their life and experience live entertainment," Hoffman said.
Throughout the initiative, the Wharton Center offers lower sound levels, ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones and even eliminated startling special effects and lights. Guests are invited to stand and move about as needed and trained volunteers are on hand for the entire event. Hoffman told News 10 the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
"It hurt my heart to be honest with you that this wasn't offered in the past. I mean, I spoke to a mother who said she was able to take her son with the rest of then family and experience something that they've never been able to experience before," he said.
FOX 47 also spoke with Cathy Blatnik whose son has autism. She told us that its nice to be able to go to the event with her son and experience it with him--which is something she hasn't always been able to do.
"It opens it up to everyone. Its not excluding anyone. Because people in general with special needs--they already feel kind of not always included and kind of excluded when they are out and about in their communities," Blatnik said.
The next sensory-friendly play is Disney's The Lion King on July 21 at the Wharton Center.
