Sensory Friendly Frozen

Cameron Middle School Drama Company is Proud to Present a Sensory-Friendly Performance of Disney's Frozen, Jr.

Framingham Public Schools has partnered with Autism Alliance a program of Advocates and the Explorers Program to enhance this special experience for families.

December 5, 2019 (Framingham, MA): Cameron Drama Company is proud to present a sensory-friendly performance of Disney's Frozen, Jr. for families with children and adults on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities. The musical will be performed in a friendly, supportive environment with slight adjustments to the production, including the reduction of any jarring sounds or lights focused into the audience area.

"The Framingham Fine and Performing Arts Department prides itself on producing high quality theater productions for our community," said Donna Wresinski, Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Department for Framingham Public Schools. "This year we have already presented Lion King, Jr., Shakespeare in Love, and Matilda.  As always the reviews from these shows from our schools and our city are rave! Next up is the Cameron Middle School production of Disney's Frozen Jr..  In addition to bringing this seasonally appropriate musical to our audiences, I am excited and proud to support the artistic staff at Cameron as they bring a sensory-friendly performance to life. This performance,  designed with our target audience in mind, gives everyone access to theatre. So when Anna asks - "Do you want to build a snowman?" she will be asking all children that question. Arts education in general and theatre in specific is intended to enrich the lives of everyone. I am so grateful to work with my K-12 team as they make sure that no child is ever left out. This is their mission every day and with this production of Frozen Jr., a door opens so that even more kids will experience the joy that can only be found while watching live theatre."

This special performance takes place next Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 5:00 PM. One hundred seats were available and sold out for this free performance. Due to the interest from the community, 50 additional seats were just added. 

"Working on the sensory-friendly production of Annie at The Open Door Theater in Acton, MA taught me so much and I am fortunate to be able to replicate this in Framingham for Disney's Frozen, Jr.," said Teri Shea, Drama Teacher and Theatre Director at Cameron Middle School. "Although I am proud to offer this experience to the Framingham Community who might not otherwise be able to attend our show, the more important part of this for me is the training with the cast & crew. Teaching the Cameron Middle School students why we need to do a Sensory-Friendly performance is more important to me than the actual performance itself. Teaching empathy and compassion for others is a wonderful lesson for all middle school students."

In addition to the adjustments made to the actual performance the Explorers Program will be providing children with a squishy fidget pack to hold during the performance and Cameron's cafeteria will be set up with a small and quiet play area named the 'chill out space'. If family members need to leave their seats during the performance, they can visit this designated area which will be sponsored by The Explorers Program and the Autism Alliance a program of Advocates who will provide coloring pages and crayons, as well as, additional fidget toys which can help kids focus, self-regulate, and provide a calming influence. 

"As a program, Explorers has always been committed to inclusion and of course, fun," said Tiffany Lillie, Director of the Community Resource Development Department of Framingham Public Schools. "We are excited to be apart of such a wonderful event and to continue to support inclusive opportunities for Framingham's children."

A Social Story was created and translated for this event and will be sent to anyone who registered online through Eventbrite, as well as anyone who RSVP'd through the Facebook Event.

Cameron Drama Company is still seeking a few volunteers to help guide families through the experience beginning with their arrival, seating, break-space, and departing the theater. If you're interested in volunteering or for additional information regarding the Sensory-Friendly Performance, please contact Teri Shea at tshea@framingham.k12.ma.us.

Limited general admission seats for the public performances of Disney's Frozen, Jr. are still available online for December 13th and 14th, but they are selling out quickly at www.showtix4u.com.

About Disney's Frozen, Jr.
Disney Frozen, Jr., from composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, tells the story of Princesses Elsa and Anna, and the incredible bond of sisterhood. This enchanting tale of true love and acceptance has quickly become a modern classic; and the musical is a true family favorite, full of magic, adventure, and humor. Based upon the Disney film, and the 2018 Broadway musical, the enchanting and magical land of Arendelle is brought to life, onstage. The show features all of the beloved characters, and memorable songs (including “For the First Time in Forever,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go”) from the animated film, plus new songs written for the Broadway production. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

About Autism Alliance, a program of Advocates
Autism Alliance  is one of seven autism support centers in Massachusetts, and in 2009 they became a program of Advocates. Today, they support 1600+ families and professionals throughout the state and beyond. While we have experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades, the mission of The Autism Alliance has remained the same - To provide families with information, education, and support; plan programs and events that will aid those families; while increasing public awareness regarding autism.

About the Department of Community Resource Development
The Department of Community Resource Development (CRD) serves as a facilitator for the Framingham Public Schools in providing multifaceted, comprehensive, and holistic learning opportunities to all students through programming that addresses social and emotional development and provides academic supports that complement the school day.

About Framingham Public Schools
The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.