Buckeye Community Theatre to put on "The Sound of Music" production

MEDINA — Buckeye Community Theatre aims to make theater accessible to everyone with sensory-friendly, pay-what-you-will performances of "The Sound of Music" this week. Buckeye Community Theatre Executive Director Kimberly States said the theater includes children ages 10 to 18 with a range of experience. Kids perform onstage and also work backstage, moving set pieces, running the sound and lights and assisting with costuming. "We are a nonprofit theater, and we are devoted to educating the next generation of artists," she said. "It's really involving all kids and giving them an opportunity to experience art." "The Sound of Music" will be performed at the following times at the Haddad Theatre in Medina: 7:30 p.m. Thursday 7:30 p.m. Friday 2:30 p.m. Saturday, which is both sensory-friendly and pay-what-you-will at the door for tickets. 2:30 p.m. Sunday is a pay-what-you-will-at-the-door show. "Anyone can attend the sensory-friendly show," States said. "It is still telling the story with all the same music and all the same dancing. We just make it a little bit more accessible so that everyone can enjoy it. Theater is about involving everyone and giving a place for everyone to feel like they belong." The sensory-friendly show will have the following features: A social story will be posted to bctohio.org before the show, including what to expect at the performance. Some actors will be onstage before the show to explain some of the sights and sounds. Startling and loud sounds will be either reduced or omitted entirely. Guests can talk, leave their seats and move freely during the performance. House lights in the theater are low during the performance instead of off. Fog, haze or strobe lights will not be used. There will be designated calming areas that include noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and weighted blankets that are available outside of the theater. "I personally know several families who have children that are on the autism spectrum that say, 'We can't sit through a show, or I wouldn't do that to other audience members or my child would feel overwhelmed,'" States said. "This is a way to really reach out into the community and specifically invite those individuals to this show." People can donate however much they want, including nothing, at the door at the Saturday and Sunday pay-what-you-will shows, she said. "We do not want people to not be able to attend because they cannot afford it," States said. "Of course donations are accepted, but they're not expected. No one is turned away due to an inability to pay." Tickets for "The Sound of Music" can be purchased in advance at bctohio.org. "I'm really pleased with the show," States said. "It looks fantastic, and it's also such a timeless story. It's just a wonderful night at the theater." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at 330-721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.