Maine State Music Theatre presented the first of two 2023 sensory friendly performances, Robin & Clark’s “Rapunzel,” on June 12 at 6 p.m. in the Pickard Theater. The move to the main stage represents a change of venue for this program which, for the past seven years, had been held in MSMT’s Large Rehearsal Studio at 22 Elm Street, and had gradually outgrown the capacity of that space. The Pickard Theater on the Bowdoin College campus is wheelchair accessible and offers a nurturing, welcoming environment suitable for children and families with special needs, as well as increased seating capacity. Rapunzel drew 133 attendees – more than a 130% increase in audience numbers.  They came from across the state, from counties as far away as Oxford, Penobscot, and Aroostook.

Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark said MSMT is thrilled by the exponential growth of this sensory friendly series. “Maine State Music Theatre has always been committed to providing opportunities for young audiences to access live theatre. Furthermore, this program makes musical theatre accessible for children who might not otherwise be able to experience the magic. It’s our way of building a theatre that is more inclusive and welcoming of everyone.”

These sensory friendly performances are specially created for families with children with autism or other cognitive or physical disabilities. The hour-long presentations are designed to be interactive and to engage the children in the imaginative creative process. Lighting and sound levels are adjusted to accommodate sensory sensitivities, and there is the ability to stop and start the performance or for the audience to enter and leave at will.  Clark hosts the event and chats with the children, who are also invited to meet the actors and take photos afterwards. Other amenities include a quiet room, study guide and activity booklet, and fidget toys.

The 2023 program is supported with generous gifts from Androscoggin Bank, the Davis Family Foundation, the Onion Foundation, the Sam L. Cohen Foundation, the Alfred M. Senter Fund, and the Elsie & William Viles Foundation. Previous donors have included the Anna Maria Moggio Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. MSMT also received support in promoting the program among their patrons from local social service organizations such as Adaptive Outdoor Education, the Autism Society of Maine, and Maine Autism Alliance.

The program is offered free of charge, though reservations are required and may be made by calling the box office at 207-725-8769 or online at www.msmt.org  A second sensory performance of the Drewe-Stiles musical, “The Three Little Pigs,” will be presented at 6 p.m. on July 24.

For more information contact Dane Whitlock at 207-725-0184 or communications@msmt.org