Goodman Theatre to Offer New Sensory-Friendly Performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Goodman Theatre has announced its first sensory-friendly performance as part of the 40th anniversary of A Christmas Carol-Chicago's "crown jewel of the holiday season" (Daily Herald), directed by Artistic Associate Henry Wishcamper.

Offered in partnership with Autism Speaks-Chicago, the performance welcomes families with members who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities.

The sensory-friendly performance will be offered on Saturday, December 30 at 2pm; tickets ($35, with promo code SENSORY) and resource materials, lobby and seating maps for the December 30 performance are now available at GoodmanTheatre.org/SensoryPerformance, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 N. Dearborn). For more information, e-mail Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.

"We believe that all audiences should experience the power of theater and are proud to expand our accessibility efforts to include our first-ever sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol," said Executive Director Roche Schulfer, who initiated the production at the Goodman 40 years ago. "As the entry-point to theater for many audience members, A Christmas Carol is a beloved Chicago tradition experienced by nearly 1.5 million theatergoers. We are committed to making this production as accessible as possible for all."

The following accommodations will be made during the sensory-friendly performance:

- Dimmed house lights and open doors, should patrons need to take a break during the performance

- Designated quiet areas in all lobby areas, with space in the theater for standing and movement

- Limited crowds and visitors during the day and time of the performance

- Trained staff available for families' needs

In addition to the above offerings, the production itself will be modified for the sensory-friendly performance, in which there will be lower sound levels, especially for startling or loud sounds, and a reduction of strobe lighting and lighting focused on the audience.

"Autism Speaks is proud to partner with Goodman Theatre to make a special sensory-friendly performance of the classic A Christmas Carol possible," said Keith McCormick, Executive Director for Autism Speaks-Chicago Chapter. "Unfortunately, many of our families do not have an opportunity to enjoy these kinds of shows in a welcoming and understanding environment. This show is a Chicago classic, and the fact that the theater reached out to us clearly illustrates that they understand the needs of our community."

The Goodman established A Christmas Carol as an annual offering in 1978-a time when only a handful of U.S. theaters mounted the production. Now in its 40th year, nearly 1.5 million theatergoers have attended "the granddaddy of Chicago holiday entertainment" (Time Out Chicago), which stars acclaimed Chicago actor Larry Yando in his 10th turn as Ebenezer Scrooge.

"I am thrilled that the Goodman is offering a sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol this year," said Director Henry Wishcamper, who helms the holiday favorite for the fifth year. "The production is one of Chicago's most beloved holiday traditions, and I could not be happier that this tradition is now accessible for more Chicagoland families."

The theater also provides services for patrons who are blind or have low vision; patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing; and patrons who have mobility disabilities. A full list of accessible performances (remainder of the 2016/2017 season) can be found online at GoodmanTheatre.org/accessibility.

Please Note: Individuals who do not have sensory sensitivities or who are not accompanying those who do are encouraged to attend a different performance of A Christmas Carol.

America's "Best Regional Theatre" (Time magazine) and "Chicago's flagship resident stage" (Chicago Tribune), Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit organization distinguished by the quality and scope of its artistic programming and civic engagement. Founded in 1925, the Goodman is led by Robert Falls-"Chicago's most essential director" (Chicago Tribune), who marks 30 years as Artistic Director this season-and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, who is celebrated for his vision and leadership over nearly four decades. Dedicated to new plays, reimagined classics and large-scale musical theater works, Goodman Theatre artists and productions have earned hundreds of awards for artistic excellence, including: two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards, nearly 160 Jeff Awards and more. Over the past three decades, audiences have experienced more than 150 world or American premieres, 30 major musical productions, as well as nationally and internationally celebrated productions of classic works (including Falls' productions of Death of a Salesman, Long Day's Journey into Night, King Lear and The Iceman Cometh, many in collaboration with actor Brian Dennehy). In addition, the Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson's "American Century Cycle." For nearly four decades, the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol has created a new generation of theatergoers.

The 2016 opening of the Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement ("the Alice") launched the next phase in the Goodman's decades-long commitment as an arts and community organization dedicated to educating Chicago youth and promoting lifelong learning. Programs are offered year-round and free of charge. Eighty-five percent of the Goodman's youth program participants come from underserved communities.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago's cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family's legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth's family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation of the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre leadership includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, ReGina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Joan E. Clifford is Chair of Goodman Theatre's Board of Trustees, Cynthia K. Scholl is Women's Board President and Justin A. Kulovsek is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

Visit the Goodman virtually at GoodmanTheatre.org-including OnStage+ for insider information-and on Twitter (@GoodmanTheatre), Facebook and Instagram.

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