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10th ANNIVERSARY SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE SERIES AT LONG ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Popular Characters Move from the Page to the Stage in the LICM Theater
The LICM Theater will launch its 10th anniversary series of sensory-friendly productions starting in February; continuing its long-term commitment to ensuring that all families have access to the performing arts. LICM4all, the museum’s accessibility and inclusion initiative, was designed to reach, engage and better serve visitors with disabilities. As a core component of LICM4all, the LICM Theater presented its first Sensory-Friendly performance back in 2014.
“Sensory-friendly performances are one of the many ways that Long Island Children’s Museum removes barriers, both physical and financial, to welcome all families to enjoy the range of dynamic experiences that we offer,” explains LICM President Erika Floreska. “The Museum’s commitment to access and inclusion is a core value since our founding 30 years ago.”
The 2024 LICM Theater season brings popular storybook characters to life on the stage with productions based on the works of authors Leo Lionni, L. Frank Baum and Mo Willems.
Sensory-Friendly Performance Schedule
Frederick – Friday, February 23 at 6:15 p.m.
Based on the book by Leo Lionni; Book by Suzanne Maynard Miller; Music and Lyrics by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs
Featuring a roots-flavored country and folk-infused score, Frederick is an "enchanting" (Chicago Reader), "charming and poignant" (Chicago Tribune) new musical for youth and family audiences about friendship, community, and the restorative power of the arts.
Journey to Oz – Friday, March 15 at 6:15 p.m.
Based on the work of author L. Frank Baum and illustrator W.W. Denslow
Written by Christopher Parks of Experiential Theater Company
Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s stories, this clever adaptation puts the audience front and center, literally! Kids become cast members, singing dancing, and acting onstage alongside the professional cast.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – Friday, April 26
By Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton;Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
The Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books.
Tickets for these performances are free but advance registration is required. Tickets will be made available on the first of each month of the performance at www.licm.org/licm4all.
Audience members can expect the following sensory-considerate production features at each sensory-friendly performance:
- Lower sound levels, especially for startling or loud sounds
- Guests are free to talk, leave their seats and move freely during the performance.
- House lights in the theater are left on low throughout the performance.
- Trained staff and volunteers
- Judgment-free environment, welcoming to all.
Additionally, Long Island Children’s Museum provides supportive resources for families attending these designated performances, including a social script and fidget items.
Sensory-friendly performances are an integral component of the Children’s Museum’s programming to enable all children in the community to fully experience all that the Museum offers and provide families with a local, affordable resource for live theater experiences to their children.
LICM’s commitment to access and inclusion provides Museum visitors with a range of resources including:
- Friendly Hours – free monthly exclusive hours during which the entire museum’s lighting and sound are altered so children who have a range of sensory, learning and communication differences are more comfortable.
- Sensory Room– Dedicated room including includes visual, auditory and tactile resources provides a respite for children who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed during their visit.
- LICM4all App–free resource includes a social guide, sensory map, custom scheduler, tips and updates on museum exhibits and games to assist families prepare for their Museum experience in advance.
The Museum’s LICM4all initiative receives funding support from the Charitable Lead Annuity Trust under the Will of Louis Feil, New York State Council on the Arts, Frank J. Antun Foundation, Frederic R. Coudert Foundation, Marilyn Lichtman Foundation, The Marion O. and Maximilian E. Hoffman Foundation, Northville Industries, PSEG Foundation, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Laura J. Niles Foundation. LICM4all underwriting comes from the Janice Michelle Foundation Inc., Steel Equities and Toscano Financial Group.
All activities will be held at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY. For the safety of our visitors, Adults are not permitted in the Museum without children; Museum visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
About the Long Island Children’s Museum (www.licm.org)
The mission of Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) is to connect all our communities’ children, and those who care for them, to a life of wonder, imagination and exploration. At LICM, children discover their passions and their relationship to the world we share. The 40,000-square-foot museum serves over 300,000 children and adults annually. The private, not-for-profit institution chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, offers museum-based educational programs and cultural experiences, as well as an extensive community outreach program offered in schools, libraries and youth centers across Long Island. Additionally, the Children’s Museum operates the historic Nunley’s Carousel in association with Nassau County, one of three intact Stein & Goldstein carousels still in existence.
Recognized with several honors, including the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), LICM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the gold standard of museum excellence. It is currently the only accredited children’s museum in New York State and is one of only 16 accredited children’s museums nationwide. LICM has earned 4-stars on Charity Navigator and has Platinum Transparency on Candid.
