Schoolchildren with autism sensory disorders are being given the chance to experience the magic of theatre in a relaxed environment.
Belfast's award-winning arts venue, the MAC, is running its MACtile tours initiative to make theatre more accessible to all children.
Specially-trained MAC staff are travelling to participating schools across Northern Ireland with a `theatre in the box'.
The tactile box contains a replica model of the MAC theatre, along with samples of the costumes the cast will wear on stage, what lighting will look like inside the theatre and other visual aids to help children gain an understanding of what to expect when they visit the MAC for the first time.
Following the theatre in a box workshop, each school group will visit the MAC this Christmas to attend one of the relaxed performances of Rumpelstiltskin.
Relaxed shows are specifically designed to welcome people with learning disabilities; Down's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition or sensory and communication disorders.
There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and small alterations are made to the light and sound effects. Adding a special touch to each school visit, actors will take time before the show to meet and greet the school children, reassuring them that they are just telling a story - children will also be able to feel the costumes which will enhance the sensory experience of their visit.
The accredited autism awareness staff will be on hand for the whole visit with ear defenders, stress balls and other sensory aids to assist any children who may feel overwhelmed in the MAC theatre. The MAC will also be setting up a `chill out' space for children who may need some quiet time to gather their thoughts.
This Christmas, there will be five schools participating in the MACtile tours - St Gerard's in Belfast, Beechlawn in Hillsborough, Hillcroft in Newtownabbey, Jordanstown in Newtownabbey and Parkview in Lisburn.
MAC learning and participation officer Clare Lawlor said after talking to teachers and parents, it was discovered that the barriers to some children attending an arts performance could be huge.
"We identified an opportunity to offer special provision to customers with additional needs and remove any element of fear or reservation about attending the theatre," she said.
"We know that many children will visit the theatre for the first-time ever this Christmas and we want to ensure that their visit becomes a happy memory that they’ll treasure for a long time.
"As well as the visit to their school with MAC in a box, we're offering specially adapted relaxed theatre visits to our Christmas show Rumpelstiltskin. Slight adjustments have been made to the production like reducing any loud sounds and bringing up the lights in the theatre."
Noleen Hawkins, head teacher from St Gerard's, said the project would have a positive impact.
"This is a wonderful project and we are very proud to be a part of it. MACtile tours are extremely powerful and valuable; as the sense of enjoyment and freedom from anxiety it will deliver is something we continue to seek for our pupils and parents," she said.
"To bring the theatre into our school in a non-intrusive way is to be commended. The children have thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and are really looking forward to coming to the MAC for the first-time."
For more information about MACtile tours or to get your school involved in the project, please log on to themaclive.com.
