SEATTLE — For many, the thrill of live theater is a magical experience. However, for individuals with sensory issues or special needs, attending a performance can feel overwhelming.
"A lot of the time, folks that experience sensory sensitivities don't have that opportunity to come into live theater, because it's not always a welcoming environment. The things that they need or how they experience the world are just different," said Adriana Wright, Seattle Theatre Group Education Partnership manager.
To help these patrons, the Paramount Theatre has been offering special sensory-friendly performances for the last five years. What makes these shows different? To start the theater makes adjustments to the sound and lighting, ensuring they aren't too loud or too bright.
"We have an army of volunteers that come in, and they really help us make the space a welcoming one. So, throughout the lobby, from top to bottom, we have sensory areas and crafting tables where people can take breaks and regulate how they need to. We have some areas that are designated for some of our younger patrons, some for our adult patrons," said Wright. "For a lot of families, this is their first live performance, and we hope that we make it so they can feel more comfortable entering either our space once more, or other organizations that are doing similar work in the community."
Behind these efforts is support from community partners like Premera.
"At Premera Blue Cross, access to equitable health is really important to us, and that includes access to healthy communities like the theater community that the Paramount hosts. We're really proud to sponsor opportunities like the sensory-friendly performances," said Amanda Lansford with Premera Blue Cross. "There's a real magic and joy that comes from the theater and that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. So, making sure that that's more accessible to more people is really an important part of a healthy community."
Accepting and accommodating — the Paramount's sensory-friendly performances are making every audience member feel like they belong there.
"Live theater is so important, it's so enriching, we want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity," Wright said.
Sponsored by Premera Blue Cross.
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