In Suntimes today

[Guest guest]

I've had one heckava time getting this here today....anywho...FYI one of my

interests--disability and the performing arts.

Marie

illennium Park show opens theater to autistic audience

HEALTH WITH MONIFA THOMAS mjthomas@... Jan 25, 2011 05:39AM

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Story Image

Brother Eddie (left) and Belliveau for Red Kite Round Up event.

For most of his life, Belliveau's autistic son, , rarely associated

with other kids or even ventured far from his mother's side.

So Belliveau, of Orland Hills, didn't expect to participate much when she

took him to " Red Kite/Blue Moon, " an interactive theater experience designed

specifically for children with autism.

Instead, about 10 minutes into the show, , 11, jumped on stage to join the

actors in a song and didn't return to his mother until the 30-minute show was

over.

" I cried when I left, " Belliveau said. " He was like a different kid to me that

day. We just couldn't believe he was our . "

Chicago Children's Theatre artistic director Jacqui has heard plenty of

stories like this since creating the show, now called the " Red Kite Round Up, "

four years ago with the help of Chicago-based special education teachers and

autism experts.

This year's production runs Feb. 1-20 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Choral

Rehearsal Room in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph.

said it's a unique opportunity for autistic children, who often have

difficulty socializing or communicating with others, to experience live theater

on their own terms.

" There's a lot of expectations of behavior when people go to the theater, " she

said. " One is that they'll be quiet and sit in the seat, and it's going to get

dark and you're going to listen to people talk. A lot of these things are not

things children with autism enjoy or can handle. "

Targeted to children between the ages of 5 and 14, the show takes audience

members on a colorful, whimsical camping trip during which they sing songs,

chase butterflies and pet baby chicks.

Bright lights and loud sounds — two things autistic children may be sensitive to

— are kept to a minimum.

Children are greeted by name when they arrive, and the actors are briefed in

advance on each child's likes and dislikes. Parents also receive a " social

story " that maps out what will happen during the show.

And if a child is reluctant to join the performance, the actors bring the

performance to them.

" We have kids that have experienced the entire show from the doorway and have

not wanted to come entirely into the space, " said. " So the actors bring

the puppets over to them. We believe in meeting the child where they are. "

estimates that 1,500 children have seen the show since 2008. Many, like

Belliveau, come back year after year.

Each performance is limited to 10 children and accompanying family members.

Tickets are $10.

For more information or to reserve a seat, contact concierge Beck at (773)

227-0180, ext. 15 or go online to theredkiteproject.org.