Opera on the GO! Spotlights a Sensory-Friendly Performance

In a world dominated by Bieber and Swift, few kids are ever exposed to Gilbert and Sullivan.

Yet, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is on a mission to change that – to open kids’ eyes and ears to classic operatic masterpieces by delivering the show directly to them. And during one special performance on October 29, the company will give kids with sensory issues the chance to experience the magic of live theatre on their own terms.

Giving kids the chance to connect with a classic

Since 2005, Opera on the GO!, OTSL’s education touring production, has stopped at schools across the St. Louis region, reaching more than 15,000 students.

This year, during each two-hour program, kids at more than 20 schools will get access to three interactive workshops that cover characters and music, movement, and stage make-up. Afterwards, they can set sail to the rocky coast of England for a condensed version of the comic operetta, The Pirates of Penzance, featuring professional actors and cameo appearances by the students themselves.

For many kids, Opera on the GO! is their first encounter with the opera, and according to Allison Felter, Director of Education and Community Engagement, many are surprised how exciting the theatre truly is.

“The kids quickly discover that opera is really no different from music they may listen to on their playlists or on the radio. Opera, via the words and music, simply tells a story. It’s a blend of all the arts – music, sets, costumes, makeup, lighting, acting, poetry, story, dance, orchestra. It’s the original ‘mash up!’ And composers have been writing operas for more than 400 years – it’s always changing and growing, just like popular music.”

A special sensory-friendly performance

While the program has made a difference for many students, OTSL discovered there were some kids who had to miss out on the incredible experience because of sensory issues beyond their control. Touched by the story of a young opera lover who had difficulties handling the stimuli of a live concert, OTSL is offering a sensory-friendly performance of Opera on the GO! to the public on Saturday, October 29.

Felter remarked that this unique production provides a safe space where audible and kinesthetic responses from the audience are expected. “This is our first foray at offering a performance for kids with sensory challenges and who may be on the autism spectrum, and we’re so pleased to be able to do it!”

“With the coaching of several local experts in the field, the program on October 29 is tailored slightly with our special audience in mind,” she added. “We’ve adjusted the workshops to better accommodate our audience, in addition to paring down the overall program length. Pacing lanes and a quiet room will be available for students who may need to take advantage of those options.”

This special performance of Pirates, along with two theatrical workshops, will take place at 2 p.m. at the Sally S. Levy Opera Center, 210 Hazel Ave. in Webster Groves. The sensory-friendly production is recommended for students in grades 3-10, and space is limited to 60 participants. Tickets are $10 each for both kids and parents, and can be purchased through the Box Office at 314-961-0644.

The October 29^th event is part of Opera America’s National Opera Week, a concentrated critical mass of opera messaging and events throughout North America. Both Opera on the GO! and the sensory-friendly performance are made possible with generous support from the Monsanto Fund.

For the kids who have the chance to be swept up in opera through OTSL, it’s an experience that will live with them for years to come.

Said Felter, “Almost without exception, the kids’ responses are wildly enthusiastic, almost as through the performers are rock stars. But when you’re hearing singers who are really, really accomplished at their craft and who give 100% to the audience, offering them that live, visceral experience of the powerful, unamplified voice in an intimate setting, the kids’ responses are exceedingly positive. I think they recognize not only the skill and training, but the sheer athleticism that goes into being a singer.”