LVC Music Theatre to Host Sensory-Friendly Performance
Annville, PA (03/11/2024) — Lebanon Valley College Music Theatre will host a sensory-friendly performance of Tuck Everlasting on Saturday, April 6, at 1 p.m. in Leedy Theatre inside the Allan W. Mund College Center. LVC welcomes guests with sensory needs or other social, cognitive, and/or physical challenges to attend this unique event.
"Reflecting on the incredible experiences I've had in theatre, both as a performer and audience member, I can't help but consider those who may not feel welcome in those spaces-and that saddens me," said Professor Jonathan Walker-VanKuren, Director of the Music Theatre Program. "Our aim is to break down the barriers of traditional audiences, making theatre an inclusive space for everyone. As I explore more with accessibility in theatre, I urge more schools, community theatres, professional theatres, and beyond to offer performances like this one because theatre is for all."
The LVC cast and crew will implement sensory modifications while preserving the engaging theatrical experience desired by all families and friends of the theatre.
What to expect:
Audience lights left low throughout the performance.
Overall sound reduction throughout the performance.
Other technical aspects of the show may be modified for this performance, such as eliminating strobe lights, lessening the intensity of sound effects, and modifying performer/audience interaction.
A staffed quiet area will be available in the lobby for folks who need to take a break from the show.
Audience members are encouraged to bring their own manipulatives, comfort objects, and extra support items to enhance their own enjoyment of the performance.
Lebanon Valley College Music Theatre is committed to creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all. Tickets for this sensory-friendly production can be purchased at lvcmt.booktix.com for $5. We are committed to ensuring this experience is accessible to all members of the community, and individuals seeking financial assistance or group rates are warmly encouraged to contact Walker-VanKuren at jowalker@lvc.edu.
About Lebanon Valley College
Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, offers 50 majors in the health professions, sciences, business and digital media, arts and humanities, and education. Hands-on learning, internships, and research are emphasized. LVC offers five direct-entry (bachelor's to master's) programs in Accounting/MBA 3+1, Athletic Training 3+2, Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3+2, Engineering 3+2, and Speech-Language Pathology 3+2, and a nationally recognized six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. There are over a dozen graduate degrees, including an MBA and master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Education, Exercise Science, and Intelligence and Security Studies.
Close faculty-student relationships and mentoring are hallmarks of the LVC experience on its beautiful 370-acre campus. The College encourages student participation in athletics-with 40% competing as NCAA Division III student-athletes in the Middle Atlantic Conference-and student leadership and involvement in over 90 clubs and organizations, many of which are community-service focused. LVC offers generous financial aid and guaranteed merit scholarships that exceeded $52 million in 2023-24. Career success is integrated into the curriculum through the Edward and Lynn Breen Center for Career and Professional Development starting during the first year on campus.
Located eight miles from Hershey, Pennsylvania, this college of 1,600 undergraduate and 400+ graduate students produces alumni who attend prestigious graduate and professional schools and are employed by top companies and school districts.