CSz Richmond, a staple of the Richmond comedy community located in the West End, is excited to offer their second sensory friendly performance, designed specifically for individuals with autism and other sensory needs.
Utilizing the expertise from other Major League ComedySportz players who either work with individuals with developmental disabilities or have their own children on the autism spectrum, Garmon and her team have made specific adaptations to the match and to the theater itself that will help with those sensory differences. Joe Daly, parent of a six-year-old with autism, attended the first sensory friendly performance in November. “Brian had so much fun,” Daly recalls. “It has been challenging for us to attend regular ComedySportz matches in the past, but the adaptations made by the performers and theater staff really helped us have a great time. [My son] felt like he was part of the show.”
The sensory friendly performance features raised lights, wider spaces between seats, and an opportunity for theater patrons to move about the space during the performance. There is also a social story available for families who purchase a ticket and volunteers on hand to help provide accommodations. “We are able to provide opportunities like these to families thanks to the generosity of donors to Yes Balloon, the nonprofit that currently manages and operates ComedySportz® Richmond,” says Dave Gau, CSz Richmond’s Artistic Director and President of the Yes Balloon Board of Directors. Family Insight, a local provider of behavioral healthcare, is providing sponsorship support for this upcoming performance.
ComedySportz® matches are structured like a sporting event, with teams of improvisers performing scenes and playing games based on audience suggestions. A referee hosts the event and facilitates the audience interaction. In addition to regular ComedySportz® matches, the CSz Richmond Theater hosts improv classes and leagues for children and adults. The CSz Richmond Theater is proud to serve the greater Richmond community through collaboration, inspiration, gratitude, and fun.
The next sensory friendly performance will be Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 3 p.m. It will be a one-hour presentation with no intermission. Tickets are $6 per person. For more information on shows and events, including a complete FAQ about the sensory friendly performance, go to http://www.cszrichmond.com