Main Street Theater Raises Awareness for Autism and Understanding with MOCKINGBIRD

Main Street Theater continues its 2016 - 2017 Theater for Youth season with the regional premiere of Mockingbird based on the book by Kathryn Erskine, Winner of the National Book Award; adapted for the stage by Julie Jensen. Mockingbird is the story of Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger's who is facing the recent loss of her brother. "The play is about how people approach, process, and then handle life's challenges," says Theater for Youth Producing Director Vivienne M. St. John who chose the play for the season. "We can't afford to try to understand the world by only talking to people whom we perceive to be like us," says the production's director Troy Scheid. "Understanding people who are different from you really calls on you to make a leap of empathy to understand where they're coming from and what their experiences are."

While certainly a heavier production that's geared toward fifth grade and up, Ms. St. John notes the humor sprinkled throughout the show. "That balance of grief and struggle with lightness and humor allows us to experience Caitlin's world more fully."

There are 4 performances of Mockingbird:

Sunday, January 29 at 3:30pm

Sunday, February 12 at 12:30pm: this performance has an Audio Descriptive option available

Sunday, February 12 at 3:30pm: this is a Sensory-Friendly Performance

Sunday, February 19 at 3:30pm

Tickets are $20 - $16, depending on section, and are available online at MainStreetTheater.com or over the phone at 713-524-6706.

All performances are in midtown at 3400 Main Street in MATCHBox 4.

Performances are also available for school groups. Call 713.524.9196 or visit the website.

About Mockingbird

In Caitlin's world, everything is black or white. Anything in between is confusing. Until now, her older brother Devon has guided her through life. But after a tragic day, Caitlin, an 11 year old girl with Asperger's, must learn to deal with her struggles on her own. Through her journey she finds the world is full of colors and discovers healing and closure. Mockingbird, adapted from the award-winning young adult novel, explores an autistic girl's emotional journey through grief and healing.

Recommended for Fifth Grade and up.
Children under the age of 3 (including sleeping babies) are not allowed in the theater.

About the Production

Troy Scheid is the director of Mockingbird. Sophia Torres is the choreographer. Rachel Moran plays Caitlin. The rest of the cast includes Chioke Coreathers, Jazminne Cornielle, Danny Dyer, Megan Jankovic, Scott Lupton, Devin Norwood, Katie Reed, and Erica Young.

The design team includes Ryan McGettigan (set design), Dustin Tannahill (lighting design), Macy Lyne (costume design), Yezminne Zepeda (sound design), and Star Hinson (properties design). Danielle Docwra is the Production Stage Manager.

About Main Street Theater

Main Street Theater provides theater experiences for all ages. Founded in 1975, our MainStage produces professional, intimate, literary plays for adults; our Theater for Youth produces professional, engaging productions based on children's literature for families and school groups, both in-house and on tour around Texas; and we offer Education and Outreach programs on-site and at satellite locations around the Greater Houston area for youth aged 4 - high school. We perform locally in 2 facilities: our Rice Village home on Times. Blvd., and as part of the MATCH (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston) on Main Street.

Main Street Theater is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for not-for-profit theaters, of Theatre for Young Audiences/USA (formerly ASSITEJ), the world theatre network of theatre for children and young people, and a founding member of Houston Arts Partners. Main Street Theater is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

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