FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BSC Press Director Charlie Siedenburg 551-655-0968

BARRINGTON STAGE INTRODUCES SENSORY-FRIENDLY PEFORMANCES
TO CURRENT SEASON PROGRAMMING:
YOUTH THEATRE’S HAIRSPRAY JR. and MARK ST. GERMAIN’S DANCING LESSONS

(Pittsfield, MA)  Barrington Stage Company, the award-winning theatre in Downtown Pittsfield, MA, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, is pleased to introduce sensory-friendly performances at the BSC productions of Hairspray JR. and Dancing Lessons this season.

“We’re honored to add sensory-friendly performances to our still growing outreach programs,” said Artistic Director Julianne Boyd.  “We are striving to provide our audiences with the widest range of accessibility choices possible.”

About BSC’s Sensory-Friendly Performances:
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to be more accessible to those individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities and are also great for families who are looking for a more relaxed, informal environment.  BSC’s Box Office and Front of House staff are trained to create an accessible and welcoming experience for you, your child and your family. Barrington Stage has been working closely with a network of theatre professionals and nationwide autism experts, including the College Internship Program (CIP), to help us prepare for these new performances.

HAIRSPRAY JR. – Youth Theatre Production
In Hairspray JR., Tracy Turnblad pursues her dream of dancing on national television and navigates the racial tensions and stereotypes of the 1960s in this high energy musical.
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, August 2 @ 12:30pm
Tickets: $16 adults; $12 youth ages 5-18*
Venue: Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield
Performance Length: approx. 75 minutes
*Please note that children under the age of 5 are not permitted to Youth Theatre performances.

DANCING LESSONS
Dancing Lessons is a world premiere romantic comedy about a young man with Asperger’s and his relationship with an injured Broadway dancer. Starring John Cariani and Paige Davis.
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, August 16 @ 2pm
Tickets: $20 adults; $15 youth ages 6-18*
Venue: Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield
Performance Length: approx. 90 minutes
*Dancing Lessons is recommended for youth ages 13 and up. Please note that children under the age of 6 are not permitted to Boyd-Quinson Mainstage performances.

To purchase tickets, or ask any questions about this event, please call 413-236-8888. Tickets may be purchased by phone or in-person only and are on sale now.  Tickets to the BSC sensory-friendly performances are 100% refundable if a family finds they are unable to attend the day of the performance and notify the Box Office before curtain. This policy only applies to sensory-friendly performances.

Adaptations for these sensory-friendly performances will include:

  • Reduction of the sound level, especially for loud or startling sounds, and reduction of overwhelming stage lighting.
  • Low lighting in the theatre so patrons can see if they need to move around or exit the theatre.
  • Intentionally empty seats to allow extra room for children needing to move or exit a row during the performance.
  • A social story and other preparatory materials for parents and children explaining what to expect from the performance.
  • Allowance for the use of tablets and smartphones in the theatre if used as a communication device for a child.
  • Designated break spaces for those who might feel overwhelmed and need to take some time to self-regulate.

About Barrington Stage Company
Barrington Stage Company, a professional award-winning Equity regional theatre located in the heart of the Berkshires, in Pittsfield, MA, was co-founded in 1995 by Artistic Director Julianne Boyd. Barrington Stage’s mission is three-fold: to present top-notch, compelling work; to develop new plays and musicals; and to find fresh, bold ways to bringing new audiences into the theatre—especially young people. Barrington Stage garnered national attention in 2004 when it workshopped, and premiered William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s musical hit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which later transferred to Broadway, where it won two Tony Awards. In 2009/2010 Barrington Stage produced the world premiere of Mark St. Germain’s Freud’s Last Session, which later moved Off-Broadway and played for two years. St. Germain’s Becoming Dr. Ruth (which premiered at BSC as Dr. Ruth, All the Way in 2012) played Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre in fall 2013. Barrington Stage was voted “Best Live Theatre” by The Berkshire Eagle readers in 2011 and 2012 and was named “Best Theatre Company” in Metroland’s Best of the Capital Region 2009-2012.

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