Many theaters across the country offer sensory friendly shows in an effort to increase access to the dramatic arts. Locally, however, The Naples Players has taken inclusivity to a new level by constructing a unique sensory room in which anyone from those with special needs to families with young children to the elderly can enjoy a performance.
“This is truly the only one of this kind in the nation,” said Summer Pliskow, director of arts access.
The totally customizable room, also called a booth, allows guests to adjust lighting, sound levels, and temperature. There is a sensory board with various textures and activities and comfortable seating
with a bean bag, rocking chair, and standard seats.
“When we were designing this, we wanted it to be a space for everyone,” Pliskow said. “We didn’t want it to be a child’s playroom. We wanted it to be for any age and any need.”
Rosanne Hogle plans to use the room with her 20-year-old son, who has autism.
“It gives me the ability to watch the show and not have to worry about his behavior interrupting the program,” Hogle said.
Nancy Garcia agrees. Her daughter Audrina, 13, is also on the autism spectrum. Garcia said it will lessen the stress that comes with thinking Audrina is too loud or bothering others during a performance.
“I love to expose my kids to things, but sometimes, I feel I can’t without bothering everyone,” she explained. “I like the flexibility of being able to get up, walk around, and come back.”
“I like the bean bag chair and the stars on the wall,” Audrina said. “I will be able to hear and see my favorite people dance and sing.”
Julia Maloney is looking forward to watching shows in the booth with her daughter Kendall, 16, who also has autism.
“We would definitely have to book the booth because it is a quieter atmosphere,” Maloney explained. “You are able to control the volume, the climate, the lights. It is great if Kendall was feeling anxious. She does pacing, so she can watch the show and walk back and forth. If her mind is not into the show for some reason, she can be using the tactile things in the room.”
A space for every need
Kenzie Currie saw A Christmas Story in the booth with her 3-year-old-son Ronin Hernandez.
“It was unexpected the way [the room] helped,” Currie said. “I thought it might just be a place for me to see the show with him, but he was engaged because he could move around. There are bathrooms right down the hall so we can just pop right down there and not interrupt anyone.”
The sensory booth is not just for young children and people with special needs. Others who could benefit from the room include, for example, a person who doesn’t want the sound of their oxygen machine to disturb others; an individual who is immune compromised and wants to limit their exposure to others; or a guest who needs to visit the restroom frequently.
The booth is just part of The Naples Players’ quest to be inclusive. Each month, there are sensory shows, and the entire theater is geared toward those with special needs. The lights are dimmed but not off, the sound is lower, and guests are encouraged to move around. The building also has a Chill Zone. This spacious room provides a place for guests to calm down, play with some fidget toys, color, and relax. Every month, Lighthouse of Collier: Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, which provides services for the visually impaired, is invited on a touch tour before the show, where participants are able to touch many of the props used on stage. At any show guests can request a bag of toys and activities that includes everything from weighted mats and fidget toys to blocks and colorful shapes. Headphones that hook up to the sound system allow for hearing impaired guests to adjust the volume of a show. Those with hearing aids have the option to scan a QR code to link their devices to the show’s sounds. All of these items are free for guests to use.
“What makes us unique is not only do we have accessibility as our mission, but we have an entire department for it,” Pliskow said. “It is the amount and level of care that goes behind every single decision for our community members. We are listening to what the community wants and needs, and we are really responding to that. Our goal is to get as many people as possible engaged in theater. Everyone should have the ability to [experience] theater.”
Learn more about The Naples Players and their accessibility initiatives