MOCKINGBIRDKENNEDY CENTER

Performances for Young Audiences: Mockingbird

 

A world premiere Kennedy Center and VSA commission
based on the National Book Award–winning novel by Kathryn Erskine
Mockingbird
Adapted by Julie Jensen
Directed by Tracy Callahan

Movement Direction by Elena Day
Featuring Aaron Bliden, Rex Daugherty, Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey, Susan Lynskey, Thony Mena, Tia Shearer, Dylan Silver, and Kathryn Tkel

Caitlin's world has always been black and white. As an 11-year-old on the autism spectrum, she used to rely on her older brother to help make sense of things beyond dictionaries, schedules, and the facial expressions chart at school. But now that he's gone, she's all on her own. With the support of her advisor, father, and a new reading buddy, Caitlin begins to understand how to get close to people again, embrace the "messiness" of emotions, and use her burgeoning artistic talents to move on. Hailed as "extraordinary… [a] moving and insightful masterpiece" by Publishers Weekly, Kathryn Erskine's 2010 National Book Award–winning young adult novel has been adapted for the stage by Julie Jensen, a recipient of the Kennedy Center Award for New American Plays. Directed by Tracy Callahan, this moving, vibrant, and surprisingly humorous world premiere play shows how the perseverance of one girl can change a community--and how black and white can always be complemented by a kaleidoscope of colors.

For age 10 and up. 

Performance Timing: 65 minutes, with no intermission

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Note: The 1:30 p.m. performance on Sat., January 24 and the 11 a.m. performance on Sat., January 31 are Sensory-Friendly.

Sensory-Friendly Performances are designed to create a theater experience that is welcoming to all families with children on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.

Accommodations for Sensory-Friendly Performances include:
* Lower volume and consistent sound levels (no jarring sounds);
* Lights remaining at a low level in the theater during the performance; 
* A reduction of strobe lighting focused on the audience;
* An understanding that patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance;
* Short performance times, lasting 60-75 minutes with no intermission;
* Designated quiet areas within the theater;
* Space throughout the theater for standing and movement;
* Smaller crowds and a limited number of visitors at the Kennedy Center during the day and timing of the performance; and
* Trained Kennedy Center staff members who are inviting and accommodating to families' needs.

Families will also have access to resource materials to prepare for their visit. Please contact the Accessibility Office at 202-416-8727 (voice/relay) or access@kennedy-center.org for more information.