MAIER partners with the Some Theater Company to Raise Autism Awareness

photo of actor, Robert Brangwynne, Rich Kimball, Deborah Rooks-Ellis and Jen Carlsonnd
(L to R) Actor Robert Brangwynne (Christopher), Rich Kimball, Deborah Rooks-Ellis (MAIER) and Jen Carlson

The Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research (MAIER) is partnering with the Some Theater Company (STC) in Orono to help raise awareness and understanding of autism during performances of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time ” on February 22-24th at the Keith Anderson Community House in Orono. MAIER staff will be on hand with autism information and resources for attendees and will participate in a special “Talk-back” session with the actors and production crew after the Sunday afternoon showing.

The Curious Incident portrays the adventures of fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone as he uses his unique mathematical and deductive abilities to solve the mystery of a dead neighborhood dog, while taking the audience into the “nuanced internal world of someone on the autism spectrum.”

In addition to the four performances open to the public, MAIER has partnered with the STC to host a Sensory-friendly performance on Thursday night at 7:30pm for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. This FREE showing will be tailored towards creating a safe, fun, and judgement-free environment for individuals on the spectrum. Interested in joining us for the special Thursday night Sensory-friendly showing? Contact Donna at MAIER to save your seats: donna.doherty@maine.edu or call 207-581-2468. Seats are limited, so be sure to contact us before arriving.

Check out Rich Kimball’s interview on WZON with Deborah Rooks-Ellis (MAIER Director) and actor Robert Brangwynne (playing Christopher) as they discuss the upcoming production and our partnership to help raise awareness and understanding of our community members with autism.

To purchase tickets for the shows, visit STC website.