The Art of Inclusion: A Sensory Friendly ‘Nutcracker’

The Arts Ballet Theater of Florida presents its sensory friendly production of “The Nutcracker.” Pictured is Christopher Noel as The Nutcracker. (Photo courtesy of Patricia Laine Romero, @patriciasphotography)

Over the past fifteen years, the movement to include multisensory elements that enhance sound, light, taste, touch and smell to live performance, film, and even museum exhibits,  has been a game changer in creating viscerally exciting experiences that connect audiences to art.

While these immersive components are compelling for some, they can be overwhelming and distracting to people who are neurodivergent or have vision or auditory impairments.  With increased understanding of the many ways that sensory processing occurs, the movement to create inclusive art spaces for all has also emerged.

Now, a sensory-friendly production makes a live experience of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” more enjoyable for audiences with sensitivities.

The Arts Ballet Theater of Florida presents its sensory-friendly production of “The Nutcracker” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center.

Creating a sensory-friendly production requires modification of all elements of a performance, from its timing and technical aspects, to increased communication with staff and performers. For example, the music of Arts Ballet Theater of Florida’s “The Nutcracker” won’t include loud booms or crashing cymbals and the volume will be maintained at one level. This helps avoid a rattling of emotions and also decreases sound distortion for people who use hearing devices. Strobe lighting, which can create alarm or anxiety, will be replaced with softer, more continuous illumination, according to Ruby Romero-Issaev, executive director of Arts Ballet Theater of Florida.

Arts Ballet Theater of Florida’s “The Nutcracker” with Saaya Okada and Remina Tanaka as the Sugarplum couple. (Photo courtesy of Patricia Laine Romero, @patriciasphotography)

Other modifications include shortening the original run time to one hour and fifteen minutes to maintain audience attention throughout the show. The intermission has also been truncated so audiences can better understand the plot progression between the first and second acts.

During the intermission, technicians will change the stage setting with the curtain up so that the audience can witness how the theater functions, says Romero-Issaev.

Additionally, an area adjacent to the theater has been designated as a quiet room with specially trained volunteers to provide audience support.

Dancers, technicians, ushers and staff have received inclusivity training by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which manages the Aventura Center for the Arts, to increase their awareness about how neurodivergent audience responses can differ from other audiences.

What makes this and other sensory-friendly productions most unique is that attendees are encouraged to move around, stand up, and dance in the aisles during the show.

“It’s my favorite performance of the year because people are really free to express themselves and audience reactions are so honest,” says Romero-Issaev. She encourages parents, who may otherwise feel self-conscious or concerned about their children’s reactions, to attend, even if they can only stay for part of the show.

Across the globe, sensory-friendly performances have significantly increased accessibility, allowing neurodivergent individuals and their families to enjoy cultural experiences without fear of judgment or exclusion.

Penelope Aguilera as Clara in Arts Ballet Theater of Florida’s “The Nutcracker.” (Photo courtesy of Patricia Laine Romero, @patriciasphotography)

The modifications adopted by the Arts Ballet Theater, flexible seating policies, allowing movement and noise, less intense lighting and sound, quiet spaces for breaks, and staff training in understanding neurodivergence, represent an ever expanding standard in the arts industry.

The performances have generate expanded interest in the arts among new audiences and foster greater acceptance of neurodivergent communities, influencing public attitudes and policies on accessibility.

At The Miami Children’s Museum, its multi-sensory/Snoezelen Room was designed in collaboration with the global leader of research in Snoezelen therapy. Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environments are relaxing spaces that help reduce agitation and anxiety but also encourage communication for those on the spectrum.

On the second Saturday of each month, Miami Children’s Museum offers a sensory-friendly experience for children with disabilities and their families. The space is sensory-modified with lowered sound and lighting. A special stage performance is offered as well as a variety of sensory-based activities.

There are also service providers on hand with information about community resources and the museum encourages the opportunity for families to network.

WHAT: Arts Ballet Theater of Florida “The Nutcracker” Sensory Inclusive Performance

WHERE: Aventura Arts & Cultural Center 3385 NE 188th Street Aventura

WHEN: 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14

TICKETS: $20

INFORMATION: https://www.aventuracenter.org/events/detail/sensory-abt-nutcracker-2024

 Also, Miami Children’s Museum

WHAT: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays

WHERE: Miami Children’s Museum  980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132 

WHEN: Second Saturday of each month

TICKETS: Free with required RSVP. Space is limited. Registration closes the Friday before each event at 5 p.m. Register at (305) 373-5437, ext. 130 or email sensorysaturday@miamichildrensmuseum.org

INFORMATION: www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

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