School & Family Magazine Newstand Frisco ISD November 2017 | Page 15

traditional performances.
ATI provided technical guidelines for
lighting and sound for the special mat-
inee, as well as tips for how to interact
with guests bothered by bright lights,
shouting or loud music. The musical will
be presented with the volume lowered
and overhead lights on to enable audi-
ence members to move around during the
show. Guests may dance and sing along
with the cast and are welcome to bring
along items that might provide comfort
such as headphones, blankets or stuffed
animals.
In addition, special education staff will
be on hand to assist those with sensory
needs. A quiet room will be available for
guests who need to take a break from the
show.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for stu-
dents with sensory needs and their fami-
lies,” said Special Education Coordinator
Blake Lowell. “Too often, children with
disabilities don’t feel comfortable or ac-
cepted in traditional settings. As a result,
their exposure to certain activities or ex-
periences can be limited.
“It impacts their parents and siblings
too. When you have a student with special
needs in your family, it can shrink your
world dramatically. This performance pro-
vides an opportunity these families might
not have otherwise.”
Wakeland students from all aspects
of fine arts are involved in the producing
“Beauty and the Beast.” Students will even
serve as ushers during the sensory-friend-
ly matinee.
Junior Elizabeth Dye (Belle) and se-
nior Mark Doerr (Gaston) were cast a few
weeks into the school year and began
working on their lines and choreography
right away, taking into account their mati-
nee audience and the impact on their per-
formance. The entire company will adapt
in some way, though the script and music
will remain unchanged.
“The role of Gaston will definitely have
to be toned down and on the quieter side
of things,” Doerr said.
The entire school is looking forward to
the show and their special guests.
The cast of Wakeland High School’s
“Beauty and the Beast” take notes
on their places and choreography for
one the musical’s early scenes.
“Theatre can do so many things and
touch so many lives,” Dalfonzo said. “We
really want to fill the seats and impact
these kids in a special way.”
For a sensory-friendly theatre experi-
ence without having to go to Broadway,
Wakeland High School says, “be our
guest.” n
WANT TO GO?
Sensory-friendly matinee:
Saturday, January 20, 2018
at 2 p.m.
Traditional performances:
January 11-21, 2018
See the full schedule and buy
tickets at tickets.friscoisd.org.
Junior Elizabeth Dye (right)
rehearses a scene with junior
Casey Stutts (left).
FOCUS | 15