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Aesop’s Fables with a Sensory Friendly Twist

Union County, NJ – See the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop like you’ve never seen him before, live on stage in the guise of a friendly toga-clad puppet with his wise dog Moral by his side. Renowned puppeteer Jim West is bringing Aesop and his colorful cast of friends to Aesop’s Fables, the next installment of Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre at the historic Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street in Rahway on Sunday May 18, at 2:00 p.m.

As with all Sensory Friendly Theatre productions, Aesop’s Fables is specially designed to provide a welcoming, “judgment free zone” for persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“The performing arts offer a healthy, enriching experience that brings people together,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to sponsor the Sensory Friendly series, to help Union County families with special needs enjoy a community activity in a relaxing, supportive environment.”

Aesop’s Fables features classic favorites including The Stag at the Pool, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Fox and the Grapes, The Wind and the Sun, and The Lion and the Mouse.

At Aesop’s Fables and other Sensory Friendly Theatre productions, parents and caregivers can expect several adjustments tailored to persons with sensory sensitivities, including shorter performance times and smaller audiences.

House lighting is kept on during the performance, sound is lowered to reduce abrupt or jarring noises, there are no restrictions on vocalizing during the performance, and children may leave their seat in the company of an adult. A quiet room equipped with stress-reducing toys is also available to audience members who wish to leave the auditorium.

Professional autism specialists are on hand if parents or caregivers need assistance.

To help audience members prepare for the experience, parents and caregivers can download theThis is My Theatre picture packet visit the Performing Arts Center online at ucpac.org. Free copies in print are also available from the Performing Arts Center.

In addition, the Performing Arts Center is open two hours before performance time, or by appointment, to help audience members become familiar with the building.

For tickets and complete details about Sensory Friendly Theatre, visit ucpac.org or call the box office, 732-499-8226. Tickets are affordably priced at $8.00 per person.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theater.  Conveniently located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street, this historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. The theater is a beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville house and movie palace owned by the County of Union and managed by the nonprofit Union County Performing Arts Center.

For information on other Union County recreational activities for persons with disabilities, visitucnj.org or call 908-527-4806.

(photo courtesy of Union County Performing Arts Center)

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