A Wilkes-Barre venue is going all out to make an upcoming children’s movie comfortable for those with autism and other special needs, with other sensory-friendly events coming up at venues in Pittston and Scranton.
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, on Public Square, will screen “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m.
“We do know the struggle,” of families whose children have autism or other sensory needs, said Executive Director Joell Yarmel. “We see the struggle that they have, kind of enjoying an experience as a family of three or four. So this way, there are multiple things to do in the theater, if their little one is having a tough time sitting down and staying seated.”
The choice of movie, a mellow 1977 Disney animation with a 74-minute run time, was chosen deliberately. It will be played at a lower volume than usual.
When kids need a break, caregivers can take them to a designated sensory-friendly area that is still being designed. The Kirby Center will supply noise-canceling headsets and sunglasses for light sensitivity. The house lights will be dimmed, not turned off. The ticket and concession counters will be arranged to minimize the wait. Lobby doors will open at noon, to give people a chance to settle in.
People who are hard of hearing can borrow amplifying headphones.
Admission is free for ages 12 and under and $5 for ages 13 and up. Reservations can be made at kirbycenter.org or by calling 570-826-1100, but walk-ins are welcome.
There are at least a couple of other sensory-friendly entertainment options coming up.
A wind quartet from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will play two free sensory-friendly performances at the Pittston Memorial Library on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each will be about 45 minutes long. Reservations are preferred, by contacting the library.
An adapted Christmas ballet is also free. The sensory-friendly children’s version of “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Theatre of Scranton is back for a second year in November. The ballet will be shortened, narration added, loud noises and flashing lights removed and the volume adjusted. There will be a sensory corner for breaks. The audience lights will stay on.
A sign language interpreter is also scheduled.
The size of the audience will be deliberately limited. Contact the ballet company to inquire about the Nov. 24 children’s show at the Theater at North in Scranton. The website is balletscranton.org.
Originally Published:
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