The Pittsburgh Playhouse debuted its second-annual performance of “ARTfully UPlifting,” a sensory-friendly project welcoming neurodivergent audiences. The production featured a variety of accessible acts such as song, dance, film, animation and poetry by COPA students.
This show was created by the interim dean of the School of Theatre, Film and Animation Kiesha Lalama. Initially, the project objective was to simply provide a theater experience adhering to those with processing difficulties and sensory sensitivity. After just a few weeks of rehearsals with directors Danny Herman and Rocker Verastique, it was evident the impact of the show went beyond just audience exposure.
The Pittsburgh Playhouse is partnered with Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, the ESTEEM Group, and Achieva for “ARTfully UPlifting.” To further utilize these partnerships, Lalama offered training through the university to educate the students, faculty, and staff on the importance, difference, value, impact and expectations of sensory friendly productions. Director Herman admits this experience was enlightening.
“I think it’s a lesson for me as a director, to be creating with a certain audience in mind, regardless of their specific needs or project limitations,” Herman said. “I’ve learned that there is something special about simplicity. When you are younger, you throw all this stuff out there and then realize that there’s power to simplicity.”
While this show may be a simple compilation of works, each one is developed just like any other production at the Playhouse. Each piece promotes ideas of acceptance, inclusion, appreciation, respect, peace, friendship and gratitude.
Unlike other performances, though, “ARTfully UPlifting” features multiple different concepts studied in COPA. Students majoring in dance, film and animation, theater production, theater arts, musical theater and acting all displayed their skills in this production – a rare moment of COPA programs intersecting. Director Verastique believes this collaboration is vital.
“It is an equally balanced, eclectic kind of filter of all kinds of art, with a little bit of everything,” Verastique said. “[the theater departments] really don’t commingle as much as we should, but being a multi-faceted performer with an understanding of all the elements is so good.”
According to some involved with the production, the rehearsal process faced challenges accommodating everyone’s schedules because each performer had prior commitments. As a result, each number was rehearsed independently. The show was made into a cohesive “concert style” performance just five days before being performed.
Gracie Diana, a first-year dance major, found this involvement to be rewarding.
“I think it’s a good opportunity because I love to perform, especially when it is something audiences are looking forward to and may be special for them,” Diana said.
The adjustments made for this performance are specific to what may trigger audiences. On stage, the pieces avoid abrupt or loud sounds, distracting props, flashlights or overly extravagant costumes. There are no lighting cue changes and no strobe or blinking lights. The sound system is adapted and softened.
To further ensure viewers feel safe throughout the show, the PNC Theater became a less startling environment. The house lights remained at half setting for the entire performance, and patrons were welcome to enter and exit the theater to a quiet room available off the grand lobby. Additionally, audiences were able to bring comfort items such as noise cancelling headphones, fidgets, snacks and weighted blankets to the performance.
“ARTfully UPlifting,” is an opportunity for performers to volunteer, serve, expand and enhance our community through art. For directors, it is an opportunity to produce a non-traditional show through creative restrictions. Most importantly, this show is an opportunity for neurodivergent audience members to have a real theater experience and enjoy the beauties of art.
“This is a very pure, loving, positive, artistic and calm show, and they are just so grateful just to be there and know the show was made for them,” Verastique said.
