Enjoying the Beck Center - Arts for All

Walking up Webb to watch a sensory-friendly performance at The Beck Center has become a sweet annual tradition for our CHAMPS students and staff.  Everyone bundles up appropriately and gets in the spirit of the season for this outing!

Evey Lardi

This year, the show was "The Nutcracker Suite," a holiday favorite.  Horace Mann is proud to boast of three of our own involved in the show:  Evelyn Lardi (4th grade), Mackenna Muzychenko (3rd Grade) and Mrs. Jessica Farmer (Intervention Specialist).  Aren't these pictures of our dancers terrific?

Mackenna Muzychecnko

 You might be wondering, "What makes a show 'sensory-friendly'?"  Sensory-friendly performances are adapted to be more enjoyable for persons with autism and other neuro- and physical diversity.  I found a helpful list on The Kennedy Center's website:

• Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds;
• Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance;
• A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience;
• Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance;
• Designated quiet areas within the theater;
• Space throughout the theater for standing and movement;
• Limited crowds and visitors at the Kennedy Center during the day and timing of the performance; and
• Staff trained to be inviting and accommodating to audience members' needs

This is just one more reason why we are fortunate to have The Beck Center up the street!  Please visit their website for upcoming events and ways to support their work:  http://www.beckcenter.org/