Some of Chicago’s best children’s theaters are making extra efforts to be accessible in February
Access Weekend for The Hundred Dresses features services for persons with disabilities integrated into public performances, including live open captioning for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing (11 a.m. Feb. 4) and sensory-friendly performance with quiet room for children on the autism spectrum or with Down Syndrome (11 a.m. Feb. 5).
The story of Cora, an enslaved 12-year-old, and the Night Runner, the mythic but dark figure who shows her the way. When a cruel slave owner arrives and snatches Cora’s brother Marcus in exchange for debt, Cora flees to find him. In steps the legendary Night Runner, a fierce, fast-talking female superhero, who helps Cora escape to freedom and discover her own inner strength. On Jan. 26 and Feb. 5, there will be a post-show discussion. The performances on Feb. 10-11 will be interpreted in American Sign Language. The performance on Feb. 9 will include a live audio description of the visual and physical events onstage for patrons who are blind or have low-vision.
Harrington T. Jordan was the fastest Hare that ever lived so how did he end up losing his race against the Tortoise? Make some new friends in a world premiere comedy that turns the world of Aesops fables on its ear. An audio description and touch tour take place Jan. 21; open captioning on Jan. 28 and an autism/sensory-friendly performance on Feb. 4.
With astounding creativity and fast-paced athleticism, two actors bring this action-packed adaptation of The Adventures of Robin Hood to adventurous Chicagoland families. The moment they walk into the theater, audiences are invited to step inside the world of the story, from interactive lobby activities to the fourth wall-destroying production. Filament Theatre will offer a sensory-friendly version of the play on Feb. 4.
