By Holly Calmes | Commitment to the community is a cornerstone of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s cultural foundation. The non-profit organization, which includes the school as well as the performing company, has produced many programs in past years, bringing live arts experiences and dance education to children and adults in Atlanta and Northeast Georgia.
Such efforts have included free ticketing for performances, support with special events, raffles and giveaways, inclusion of other non-profits’ staff and clients in programming. Also included was the highly touted “Dance Project” which gave free ballet classes, shoes, apparel, and educational support materials to underserved elementary school students throughout Gwinnett.
In 2014, one of GBT’s parents brought a new idea to the administrative staff and board of directors. Jennifer Manton is the mother of a lovely young dancer at the GBT School. She also has a young son with autism. In her role as Director of Operations for the Hirsch Academy in Norcross, she could attest to the need for performing arts opportunities for individuals with autism and other sensory issues.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre dancer Mary Grace Manton and her friends from the Hirsch Academy are looking forward to GBT’s Sensory Friendly performance of ‘Cinderella’ on Friday, October 2 and 7:30 at the Infinite Energy Theater. (Photo by Richard Calmes.)
Manton initiated and supervised the first “Sensory Friendly” performance with one of GBT’s The Nutcracker school shows in December, 2014. The success and overall positive reception of the idea and the event led the leadership of GBT to plan more such performances for the 2015 – 2016 Season.
In fact, GBT begins its season with a Sensory Friendly show. On Friday, October 2, at 7:30 pm in the Infinite Energy Theater (formerly the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center) the ballet Cinderella will be performed for an audience consisting of individuals with autism and other sensory issues, and their families.
The Nutcracker will also offer this special audience a show of their own on Friday, December 4 at 11:45 am in the same theater. These two performances will offer this important group of citizens the opportunity to enjoy performances in a safe and welcoming environment.
The performance itself incorporates measures to be amenable and supportive of those with sensory issues. Lights will be left on in the audience at a low level, yet not completely dark. Music will be lowered to avoid sudden noises or loudness which can be startling. A large viewing area in the lobby will also be available should patrons wish to be outside of the enclosed audience area. Ushers and other hosts are understanding and respectful.
Best of all, audience members do not have to sit still if they wish to move about! They are welcomed to walk around, clap, cheer and otherwise enjoy the ballet as they cannot do under other circumstances. This initiative is being supported by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia which gave GBT a grant in support of this effort.
Tickets for the Sensory Friendly performance of Cinderella can be purchased at InfiniteEnergyCenter.com, the Arena Box Office or by calling 770-626-2464. They are $8 for individuals and $6 for groups of 10+. Tickets for the sensory-friendly Nutcracker show can be purchased through Gwinnett Ballet Theatre by writing to gbt78@bellsouth.net.
- For more information about GBT, visit www.gwinnettballet.org or call 770-237-0046.
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