The Hanover Theatre to Offer Accessible Performances, Including Sensory-Friendly A CHRISTMAS CAROL

In keeping with their mission to foster a love for the arts and to provide access to the performing arts to all persons, The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts has announced its schedule of accessible performances for their upcoming Broadway Series and additional shows.

"This is going to be an exciting year for the American Sign Language interpreted performances," said Donald Gibbons, director of interpreting services at The Learning Center for the Deaf. "In addition to bringing back our talented group of interpreters, we are also adding ASL consultants for each of the shows. ASL consultants are deaf individuals with native fluency and cultural competency who will serve as coaches to the interpreter. They will offer feedback on sign choice, artistry, and message equivalence. This will enhance the overall product, as well as generate greater interest in the deaf community."

The Hanover Theatre will offer enhanced audio description for the Sunday, 1 p.m. performances for all seven of the 2017-2018 Broadway Series shows. American Sign Language interpretation will be available for the Sunday, 6:30 p.m. performances, with the exception of "Cabaret," which will hold its ASL performance at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 31. In addition, the theatre will offer both ASL and audio description during the Sunday, December 17, 4 p.m. performance of the "10th Anniversary Production of A Christmas Carol." ASL interpretation has also been added for "The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes" on October 14.

"What a difference well-prepared, enthusiastic interpreters can make to my wife, who is hard of hearing," said Josh Blood, who attended last season's "Pippin." "I kept looking over at her, my heart full of joy seeing how engaged she was with the show, how she laughed with the rest of the audience at every humorous moment. Afterward, she offered a remarkable thought about the story as she understood it. We were able to discuss the deep meanings embedded in the show. This would not have been possible without a team dedicated to providing an accessible theater experience for everyone in the community."

On Sunday, December 17 at 11 a.m., The Hanover Theatre will also present a sensory-friendly performance of "A Christmas Carol." Generously sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Assumption College, this performance of "A Christmas Carol" is intended as a unique theatre experience for individuals and families impacted by autism. The sensory-friendly performance of "A Christmas Carol" takes place in a supportive and judgment-free environment. Additional accommodations of support will be provided, including a quiet area if individuals and families need a break from the performance. Trained staff and volunteers will be available to assist with patrons' needs. Before the curtain goes up, audience members will have a chance to hear from cast members who will explain their costumes and other production elements.

Assisted listening devices are available at the box office. Tickets to all shows and performances are available online at TheHanoverTheatre.org, by phone at 877.571.SHOW (7469) or at The Hanover Theatre box office located at 2 Southbridge Street in downtown Worcester. Seating for ASL is limited and those interested should reserve their tickets directly through the box office.

The Hanover Theatre continues to draw over 197,000 patrons annually with world-class performances and headlining acts including Broadway hits ("Les Misérables," "Jersey Boys"), comedians (Dave Chappelle, Jay Leno, Daniel Tosh), musical acts (Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Donny Osmond) and everything in between ("A Christmas Carol," Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Alton Brown). POLLSTAR consistently ranks The Hanover Theatre as one of the Top Theatres in the World. After eight seasons, the award-winning, historic theatre continues to establish its place as a world-class performing arts venue, acting as a catalyst for the economic development of downtown Worcester. The Hanover Theatre's acquisition of 551 Main Street houses new function space, offices, rental space for a restaurant on the ground floor and The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts on the lower level.

Worcester Center for Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts and Conservatory. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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