BROOKINGS — The experience of going to live theater often comes with unspoken expectations and a required code of conduct: sitting still in one’s seat, clapping and reacting “appropriately,” remaining silent during scenes and songs, being in large crowds with many unpredictable factors. These restrictions can be stressful for neurodiverse people and may limit their ability to participate in theatrical experiences, despite its known benefits. 

Theater, at its core, is meant to be an inclusive place where people can gather and experience live art together. The benefits of going to live productions include increased empathy, critical thinking, human inclusion and, of course, entertainment.

“People with sensory, social, and learning disabilities have the capacity to participate in a range of community activities when provided the opportunity and appropriate supports,” according to Sensory Friendly Programming For People with Social & Cognitive Disabilities, a guide developed by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “When individuals with these disabilities participate in the community, the benefits include greater community, civic, and social participation as a person transitions from childhood into adulthood.” 

 Prairie Repertory Theatre has chosen to follow a national trend of increasing theater accessibility by producing their first sensory-friendly performance. They have added an additional afternoon performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” which will be modified following guidelines from The Kennedy Center. Locally, PRT is collaborating with At Ease Counseling and Tumbleweed Counseling, who work with individuals with sensory differences and needs, to provide insight on how to best adapt the production to be sensory-friendly. 

 “Ultimately, PRT decided this year that we were going to focus on accessibility,” artistic director Billy Wilburn said. “We wanted to make sure that all of our community could come to our show, and we notice a trend that is happening in professional theaters of doing sensory-friendly performances which serve a wide variety of people. We look at it as just an additional way to allow more people to see theater and allow them to see it in a way that’s comfortable for them.” 

 What exactly is a sensory-friendly performance? According to Wilburn, it involves adapting the performance of a theater show in a way that is more comfortable and inclusive while maintaining the integrity and fun of the piece. A pre-show information packet with details on the show, venue, and theater experience will be available to provide as much preparation as possible to patrons who enjoy planning ahead for new experiences. The lighting and sound will also be modified, with house lights kept at 50 percent throughout the show instead of going completely dark as in a typical production, as well as the lowering of intense lighting and loud noises that may be overwhelming to some viewers. Headphones will be available for use in dampening overall sound levels during the show, and fidget toys will be provided for those who need them. The performance will utilize flexible seating, so audience members will be free to move around during the show. 

A new inclusive element of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center will be introduced during this performance. Courtesy of a Visit Brookings grant, the center is creating sensory pods available for use.

“The goal is to create two mobile sensory pods that provide guests, students, and staff in the facility a calming and relaxing space,” says The Larson Family Endowed Director of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center Christina Castillo. “The pods provide a space for those who experience sensory overload challenges, and they typically are designed with sound-dampening foam, mood lighting, sensory toys, soothing sounds, weighted blankets, and ergonomic design elements. They are going to be moveable pods that will be available throughout the facility, so we will be able to move them based on where the performances take place, and they’re also going to provide spaces for quiet study, sensory leave, and more. They are designed to be super flexible so they can accommodate any type of guest who would need to use them.” 

Wilburn said this performance is not just for people with sensory differences. If you’re looking to bring a first-time theater-goer or young child to their first production, this performance will allow for an introduction to the theatrical environment with less stress. All are welcome to this inclusive, comfortable, and judgment-free performance. 

If the experience becomes too overwhelming, audience members will be free to leave at any time. PRT is adjusting their refund policy for the performance, with a full refund ensured if an early exit is needed. 

 “This is a judgment-free experience, so if somebody attends the show and needs to stand up or vocalize, it is totally fine,” says Wilburn. “You’re going to be in an environment with people that are accepting and judgment-free.” 

Tickets are available now for Prairie Repertory Theatre’s sensory-friendly performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” which will take place July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 University Boulevard, Brookings, on the South Dakota State University campus. 

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit prairierep.org, call 605-688-6045, or visit the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center box office in person Monday-Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.