Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy adds Sensory Friendly Performances to its Mainstage productions
(Huntsville, AL) - For the first time in the organization’s history, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy will roll out new sensory friendly performances as part of their 62nd season mainstage productions this fall. Sensory friendly performances make space for audiences on the autism spectrum and others with special access needs. Fantasy Playhouse will add these special performances for each season production where patrons and their families can enjoy the same quality live theatre with small adjustments. Visual and sound effects will be lowered, fidget toys and other sensory assistance tools will be distributed, and house lights will stay dimly lit to accommodate accessibility access. This new sensory friendly season is part of Fantasy Playhouse’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, one of the first initiatives of its kind to take place in Alabama. Tickets are on sale to the general public to these special performances. For more information, visit our website at fantasyplayhouse.org/sensory-friendly-performances
All sensory friendly performances are sponsored by Tourism ALL-a-Bama in partnership with DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Huntsville South. Tourism ALL-a-Bama is a non-profit program designed to equip families with resources to help them enjoy travel, as well as to position Alabama as an autism/sensory disorder-friendly travel destination. Together, these three organizations have teamed up to create a weekend experience for families with differently abled family members through the Sensory Tourism Practice Program.
Artistic Director Stephen Tyler Davis says, “The Fantasy Playhouse family is growing in major ways and we want to make sure there is room for everyone at the table. Our sensory friendly performances are an intentional pathway to arts accessibility in Huntsville and partnering with Tourism ALL-a-Bama and Doubletree is helping us to expand our community impact. This initiative allows Fantasy to meet new audiences where they are and welcome differently abled people and their families to experience the magic of theatre- and nobody makes magic like Fantasy!”
The Sensory Tourism Practice Program gives residents of the State of Alabama with proof of diagnosis the opportunity to apply for a free ONE-NIGHT stay at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Huntsville South, complimentary breakfast courtesy of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Huntsville South, and complimentary FPCTA tickets for each individual with a sensory diagnosis plus one guest each. Eligible families can apply through Tourism ALL-a-Bama’s Sensory Tourism Practice Application for FPCTA on fantasyplayhouse.org/sensory-friendly-performances. Practice stays are for one night, and cover the expenses of one room + tax only per individual with a sensory diagnosis. This access programming is provided by courtesy of Tourism ALL-a-Bama.
Tourism ALL-a-Bama is managed by United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville and is designed to create lasting change in Alabama tourism through connecting hospitality partners with advocacy communities and Alabama families who are not currently being served in an autism/sensory aware manner. Tourism ALL-a-Bama is made possible through funding from the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Fantasy Playhouse 62nd Season Sensory Friendly Performances
Charlotte’s Web | Based on the book by E.B. White | Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 10 a.m.
Wilbur the pig may be the rambunctious runt of the litter, but his lovable spirit charms a little girl named Fern and the whole Arable barnyard! When Wilbur discovers his woeful fate, he will need the help of Charlotte, a loyal spider with a flair for writing, and a scavenger rat named Templeton for a chance at a new life. With unforgettable characters made popular by the E.B. White children’s book, Charlotte’s Web is a timeless story of true friendship, perseverance, and working together to help others in need. Suitable for all ages.
A Christmas Carol | Based on the book by Charles Dickens | Adapted by Barbara Fields
Thursday, December 8, 2022 @ 5 p.m.
Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 33rd year this December! Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, three Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town. With more theater magic than ever before, this Charles Dickens classic will delight all ages as an inspiration to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long. Suitable for ages 6 & up.
Snow White and the 7 Littles | Original script by Stephen Tyler Davis
Saturday, February 18, 2023 @ 10 a.m.
Snow White is not waiting for a knight in shining armor! She's much too busy working to provide clean water for the Littles and all the creatures of the Nysland Woods. But when her mission is halted by the jealous Queen and her magic mirror, Snow will need the help of her forest friends to save herself and the entire village. Can the Littles rescue her in time, or will the Queen's vanity reign supreme? Find out in this new twist on a classic about kindness, community, and the true meaning of beauty. Written by Stephen Tyler Davis, Huntsville native, and Fantasy Playhouse Alumni. Suitable for all ages.
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Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 16,000 children and youth. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, fine arts preschool program, and educational outreach through after school theatre classes and In-school touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging local under-resourced communities.
FPCTA is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Huntsville Arts and Cultural grant program. Season support by Redstone Federal Credit Union.
