In preparation for opening night, the Middletown High School North Performing Arts Program invited their peers from across the Middletown Township Public School District to campus for a special sensory-friendly performance of the classic Alain Boubill and Claude-Michael Schonberg musical Les Miserables.

Sensory-friendly performances of plays, musicals and other stage performances are hosted by theaters and playhouses around the world. The storied Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. describes sensory-friendly performances as those that “are designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities.”

A sensory-friendly performance like the one hosted by High School North can include a variety of modifications, including:

• Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds
• Lighting remains on in the theater
• A reduction in strobe lighting
• Guests are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance
• The provision of designated quiet areas in the theater
• The provision of designated areas in the theater for movement

Following the sensory performance, Middletown High School North hosted the traditional performance of their spring musical Les Miserables.  The musicals were heavily attended and were a great success.