As the year turns toward another holiday season, Calais elementary students were treated to a school trip to the Paper Mill Playhouse for a seasonal theatrical production. Students spent their time at the theater viewing Season of Miracles. The hour-long production offered a glimpse into four different holiday experiences emphasizing the varied traditions of major religions. Our students were treated to holiday tales from  “Gift of the Magi,” “The Nutcracker,” “The Kwanzaa Kite,” and “The Chanukah Miracle.”

This performance was specifically designed for children with special needs, altering the traditional theater-going experience to provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all.  The Paper Mill Autism Advisory Team, a group of board-certified behavior analysts, oversee the planning of these performances. These special performances make accommodations  for children and families including consistent sound levels, dimmed house lights, an activity area with a chill-0ut zone, and on-site support during the show to name a few.

Paper Mill Playhouse’s next Autism-Friendly Program is the musical ELF on Tuesday, December 23rd. Hope to see you there!