The CENTER begins “sensory friendly” performances, beginning with this season’s A Christmas Carol.

Reduced sounds, brighter lights, and an opportunity to learn about the show ahead of time make seeing a play a more pleasant experience for those with autism or sensory sensitivities. But the most important thing is a non-judgmental environment.

RHINEBEC — The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is pleased to announce that, starting with this year’s production of A Christmas Carol, certain performances will be presented as sensory-friendly. “What this signifies,” explains Assistant Artistic & Managing Director Kevin Archambault, “is that our goal is to make sure that theatre is inclusive to all. We have made great strides in presenting stories about individuals with certain challenges or who are in the minority of various demographics, but it was clearly time that our space became equitable for all our patrons.”

The CENTER has already met all standards by providing listening devices, on-grade entrances, large bathrooms, designated parking, and accessible seating. “Standard isn’t good enough,” says Archambault. “We want all our neighbors to know that The CENTER is a home for ALL to enjoy plays, musicals, and dance and to do so in a non-judgmental environment. We couldn’t think of a better show to start this program than A Christmas Carol – God bless us everyone!

Now in its 14th glorious year, A Christmas Carol opens on Dec. 6th and runs through Dec. 22nd; and on Saturday, Dec. 21st at 3pm the show is designated as a special sensory-friendly performance. What does this mean for theatre goers? Major changes to the show will address sound, lights, and noise as some individuals can be sensitive to light and sound and some are prone to epileptic reactions in the presence of strobe lights. To accommodate these persons, sound in the show is capped at 90 decibels, strobe lights are cut, and surprising elements like sudden blackouts are toned down. House lights are increased by 30 percent and advance notice of all scenes in the show with significant noise or harsh lighting is given to parents and caregivers in special guides to the performance. The goal will be to maintain the integrity of the show and the script is never changed. Everyone will have the same experience.

And it will be a “judgement-free” zone. Individuals with “stimming,” which is self-stimulatory, repetitive behavior that is sometimes a symptom of autism (such as flapping hands, rocking, making repeated sounds) would, in the past, draw complaints from other audience members. Now patrons at the “judgement-free” performance will have the information up-front, i.e. that they may be presented with such behavior. “And we welcome it,” enforces Archambault, “because it is usually a sign of enjoyment or excitement. Our actors are thrilled to get that sort of feedback. And theatre is supposed to be for everyone – and we are proud to say we are making this happen.”

Performances for A Christmas Carol are Dec. 6 - 22; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m, Saturdays at 3pm (12/14 & 12/21) and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets for shows are $27. Tickets can be ordered by visiting www.centerforperformingarts.org or by calling the box office at (845) 876-3080. Box office hours are 10am - 5 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays.

The CENTER, a non-profit arts and education organization, is located at 661 Route 308, three miles east of the village center in Rhinebeck.