If you go
› What: “Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington” by CTC Youth Theatre.› When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31; 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5; 2:30 (for Siskin Children’s Institute families) and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7.› Where: Chattanooga Theatre Center’s Circle Stage, 400 River St.› Admission: $10.› Phone: 423-267-8534.› Website: www.TheatreCentre.com.
AUNT LUCY’S CAST
Sallie Dean – BertieSamuel Griffeth – BertKristin Lowery – Judy BrownAvery Loyd – PaddingtonJude Major – Jonathan BrownEllen Rich – Mrs. BirdAaron Slack – Henry BrownAvery Santin – Mary Brown
UNCLE PASTUZO’S CAST
Hannah Carter – BertieMax Montague – BertMason Carter – Henry BrownAva Echard – Mary BrownRachel Young – Judy BrownCharlie Clevenger – Jonathan BrownGraham Shults – Mrs. BirdZella Stockman – Paddington
The upcoming run of “The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington” by the CTC Youth Theatre marks a first for the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. One of the eight performances is designed as “sensory friendly,” intended to “open doors of opportunity” for children with special needs and their families.
The sensory-friendly production is the result of a partnership between the Theatre Centre and Siskin Children’s Institute, made possible through funding from an ABC grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and ArtsBuild and other matching funds, according to theater officials.
“Paddington” will be performed Friday, Jan. 29, through Sunday, Feb. 7, on the Circle Stage. The matinee performance on Saturday, Feb. 6, will be offered exclusively to Siskin families, with tickets available only through Siskin Children’s Institute.
Theater officials say the sensory-friendly environment will include lowered sound levels and monitored lighting. Cast and crew are receiving special training from Siskin staff related to children with developmental disabilities and what to expect from certain behavior reactions. Parents will be encouraged to let their children move and express themselves, but staff will be in place to keep the stage to the actors.
In a news release, Linda McReynolds, director of development and communications at Siskin, says the new partnership has the “potential to bring the beauty, fun and power of theater to a significantly underserved audience.”
“It is our hope that this project will lead to further opportunities for children with special needs to have theatrical opportunities – both as audience members and perhaps as performers.”
Michael Bond’s stories about sweet, accident-prone Paddington Bear have been beloved by children for years. In this play by Alfred Bradley, several adventures have been cleverly woven together using creative and imaginative staging. The production is suitable for first-time theatergoers as young as kindergarten age.
Scott Dunlap, Youth Theatre director, directs the double-cast production.