The REP Presents a Sensory-Friendly Performance of “Ivy and Bean The Musical”

ORLANDO, FL (September 24, 2013) – Orlando Family Stage (The REP) is pleased to announce its Sensory-Friendly performance of Ivy and Bean The Musical, specially designed for children with autism, Asperger’s, or other sensory processing disorders and special needs. Following the success of the Sensory-Friendly production of Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, The REP again presents a performance of Ivy and Bean The Musical on September 29 at 5:30pm for that audience.

As Artistic Director Jeff Revels explains, “We hope that seeing a live show on stage will open a whole new world to our audience- that they develop a love for seeing stories shared with other people. Sharing a communal theatre experience can be a powerful tool in understanding our humanity and place in the world.”

Bright lights, loud noises, and intense action that may occur onstage can be unbearable for children with these types of sensitivities. And for many, the requirements to remain seated quietly for an extended period of time is a nearly impossible task. Often, because of these challenges, families that include a child with special needs do not feel that the world of theatre is accessible to them.

Special modifications have been made to The REP’s production of Ivy and Bean The Musical for this Sensory-Friendly performance. Volunteer helpers are stationed in the lobby and throughout the theatre to assist patrons as they are seated. Adjustments have been made to the show’s lighting and sound effects. A quiet room is available, should patrons need to leave the theatre at any time. A Social Story, a resource guide for parents and children, is also available for download at orlandorep.com, so patrons can get a feel for the theatre experience before the day of the show.

“It is extremely important to us and to all arts organizations, and everyone really, to offer programming for special needs children,” says Revels. “We already have a large number of these children and families attending our shows, but we know there are still a huge number being underserved. At The REP our programming is 100% designed for family and young audiences, and we try to ensure that the theatre is accessible to all children.”

Ivy and Bean The Musical follows the adventures of two 2nd graders who are vey different.  Both are sure they have nothing in common and would not like each other, but they soon discover that true friendship comes from the heart and not appearances. Meet quiet Ivy with her amazing ideas and the outgoing Bean, who loves to put those ideas into action. Living on a cul-de-sac has never been so enjoyable as these two provide enough fun in one afternoon to last a full year!

All performances of Ivy and Bean The Musical take place at the Orlando Family Stage at 1001 East Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32803. Tickets start at $12 for children and may be purchased online, over the phone, or at the Box Office. Please visit www.orlandorep.com or call 407-896-7365 for more information.

###

About Orlando Family Stage – The REP is a professional theatre with a mission to create experiences that enlighten, entertain and enrich families and young audiences. In addition to productions, The REP conducts community engagement initiatives. The award-winning REP Youth Academy provides classes and workshops for children, along with professional development opportunities to classroom teachers. Housed in a three theatre complex in Loch Haven Park, The REP is also home to the University of Central Florida’s MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences graduate program.

###