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The Straz Center Finds Huge Success
With Patel Conservatory’s Sensory-Friendly Performances
Patel Conservatory theater teacher Matt
Belopavlovich began a graduate certificate
program to study the autism spectrum after
noticing an increase in a neurodiverse student
population. “We had an opportunity to
respond to people who experience life in a
particular way whose needs weren’t quite
being met here. I was heavily involved in
the Straz Access initiative about accessibility
and The Straz when Suzanne Livesay vice
president of education approached me with
an interest in offering a sensory-friendly performance,”
Matt says. “Things came together.
We thought, ‘what a great way to combine
resources with information and be advocates
for our students.’ Our pilot run was a success
that we’ve been building upon ever since.”
The Straz Center’s sensory-friendly initiative
followed similar programs launched by
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
and Orlando Rep. Prior to the show, audience
members can download or print out the social
story from the Straz website. Patel Conservatory
faculty create these picture-book-style
documents to familiarize guests with what to
expect at the Straz Center and before, during
and after the show. The social story includes
specific instructions for permission to use the
break room, a space set apart from the show
that will include stim and sensory objects and
the ability to have quiet time.
Although the need for providing a sensoryfriendly
performance during a show’s run
emerged as theater professionals began to understand
patrons on the autism spectrum were
being left out, Matt realized this modified
performance benefits anyone who may have
sensory issues such as sensitivities to light or
loud noises. “Essentially, it’s the same show
with different options,” says Matt. “Typical
kids and families are welcome to attend this
show, of course, but it is designed for the
enjoyment of a neurodiverse group. We’re
very excited about it because sensory-friendly
is a new frontier, not just for audiences but
for the actors, who are learning a new depth
to their skills as they shape their craft to a
unique audience. The Straz’s move in this
direction benefits all.”
To learn more about The Straz, visit us at
strazcenter.org and click our “Accessibility”
link: StrazCenter.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Accessibility
“We’ve developed shows for people who
want to enjoy theater but also might need
to get up and walk around, go outside,
stim, take a break and do something else
for a while and return. The audience knows
what to expect during our sensory-friendly
performances after reading the online
social story. Our Patel Conservatory musical
theater program offers one show during
the major production that is a dedicated
sensory-friendly performance. We’ve created
a judgment-free zone for audience
members of any age. People can be who
they are and enjoy the show.”
/strazcenter.org
/Accessibility