The Herald-Courier

NYC Theater Company comes to the ANT


Thanks to the multi-year efforts of Perry native Josh Rice, the Trusty Sidekick Theater Company of New York City will bring its interactive woodland adventure for children ages 5 and older who are on the autism spectrum to The Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) at Letchworth State Park for eight shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 9, 10 and 11.

In the show, young spectators become part of the cast and can participate- or not- while happily defying the constraining conventions of traditional theater. The performance (which was developed specifically for The ANT but which debuted at the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City last fall) actually moves around several spots on the Trail, using music and puppetry, instruments and hidden treasures to engage children in “A Perfect Party for Trees.”

Every moment of interactivity is also a choice; the cast and crew are prepared for various reactions and show no judgment.  However they choose to participate, says Marty Allen (the playwright), “there’s just not a wrong way to be here with us.”

Free, limited tickets through Eventbrite must be reserved in advance at: autismnaturetrail.com/perfectparty.

This link also provides the dates and times of performances, more details about the show (including a social story, character guide, and storybook), directions to The ANT, and information about the New York State Parks Access Pass for individuals with documented disabilities.

Gate entrance to the Park is $10 per car without an Access or Empire Pass.

This extraordinary event is made possible in cooperation with Shake on the Lake, the New York State Puppet Festival, GoART!, and ANT Alliance, Inc., and is sponsored by the Palma Foundation of Rochester, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Locally, Asbury Retreat Center, Butter Meat Co., and Eleven Covington are sponsors. Questions can be emailed to: info@autismnaturetrail.com.

 

 

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