The Naples Players Present A Special Sensory-Friendly Performance of GUYS & DOLLS April 2

The Naples Players (TNP) present a special sensory-friendly performance of the American musical classic, Guys & Dolls, Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:30 pm sponsored by Garage Doors of Naples in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players Sugden Theatre. As sensory-friendly screenings become more common in local movie theatres and even on Broadway, The Naples Players is proud to participate in the national shift towards making it possible for individuals with special needs and their families to experience the same quality theatre as everyone else. What are sensory-friendly screenings, and why are they important? For many people with special needs, sensory stimuli are overwhelming and sometimes painful. Tina J. Richardson, a woman with autism, describes it well, "Some things just feel so intense. I'm not over-reacting. My sensory processing is unique to me." This, coupled with the fact that many people with special needs cannot sit still for long periods of time, makes it difficult for them to attend traditional performances that may have loud noises and strobe lights, and where moving around or making noise is prohibited. This can make them and their families uncomfortable in public spaces, especially in cultural performances,

where any kind of disruption is often met with judging stares. However, the slight changes introduced in sensory-friendly performances, can transform the theatre into a place as welcoming and comfortable as their own home.

During these performances, the house lights remain on during the performance, sound is turned down, movement during the performance is not restricted, and the performance is capped at 50% capacity. In addition, audience members receive a guide to the show that tells them where there might be a sensory trigger, so they can prepare themselves in advance. Special pricing for The Naples Players sensory-friendly performances helps make great theatre affordable for families and is made possible through a grant from Suncoast Credit Union. Considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, Guys & Dolls is filled with some of the most iconic show tunes that will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. You'll be reminded of how fun it is to see a revival of an American musical with the classic musical numbers "Luck Be a Lady", "A Bushel and a Peck", "If I Were a Bell", and "Marry the Man Today".

Guys & Dolls runs through April 7, 2019 in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players at Sugden Theatre at 701 5th Avenue South in Naples. Tickets for the special one-night Sensory Friendly Performance on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 are $20 for adults, $10 for students/educators and are available at www.NaplesPlayers.org or by contacting the Box Office at (239) 263-7990. The Naples Players (TNP) Sugden Community Theatre is Naples' oldest and premier theatre group and a vital part of the exciting experience of Downtown Naples. Celebrating its 65th season, and as one of the top theatres in the country, they offer a variety of plays and musicals in three intimate spaces, Blackburn Hall, the Tobye Studio Theatre and outside Baker Stage - all located in one building on Fifth Avenue South. The KidzAct program, Southwest Florida's premier youth theatre program offers a performing arts education wing, offers top quality productions as well as in-depth skills classes for children. Adult education classes are offered throughout the year for skilled professionals to first-time performers. The Naples Players Readers Theatre offers an opportunity to hear new works as well as rare one acts.

The Naples Players continually seeks to enrich, educate, and entertain the community through a superior theatre experience. TNP is inspiring passion for the performing arts through life-long opportunities to participate in vibrant theatrical experiences. The 65th Anniversary Season, generously sponsored by Tanya & Denny Glass, is filled with dazzling musicals including Guys & Dolls, the comedy Always a Bridesmaid, and Neil Simon's classic Lost in Yonkers.