Rooks-Ellis quoted by PPH in article about sensory-friendly performances at Maine State Music Theatre
Deborah Rooks-Ellis, director of the Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Maine, was interviewed by the Portland Press Herald for an article about the Maine State Music Theatre’s sensory-friendly performance of “The Very Fractured Tale of Robin Hood,” by Randall Frizado. Rooks-Ellis explained that sensory-friendly shows are hugely valuable because they promote inclusivity for all families. “Guests are encouraged to freely respond to shows in their own way, and organizations relax the ‘house’ rules. Convention typically requires guests to remain quiet and seated throughout most shows, but during sensory-friendly performances, guests/families are welcome to do things like sing or dance,” she said. Yahoo News shared the PPH report.