Fuller Stages Autism-Friendly Annie Performance

Before opening night last week, students at Fuller Middle School staged a shorten, autism-friendly version of their musical Annie Jr. for about 50 students.

It was the first time the Framingham middle school’s theatre department had staged an autism-friendly performance.

Autism is a disability, in which individuals diagnosed have issues with relationships and communications.

A study from the Center for Disease Control, estimates 1 in 45 children have a form of Autism. Students with autism may be non-verbal, struggle with non-literal language and eye contact, and may find new situations challenging.

Some children, who are diagnosed with autism, find the darkness in the theatre during a performane scary. They also may find the loud music and sounds in a show disturbing or uncomfortable.

“The cast, crew and pit participated in an autism awareness workshop and then prepared for our Autism-friendly performance,” said Teri Shea, Fuller’s drama teacher. “The kids were engaged and thoughtful and well prepared for the accommodations needed for this performance.

To help their audience members feel comfortable, a book about the play was given in advance to lessen the stress of unknown suroundings.

During the performance, the lights in the theatre were on and the sound levels were lowered. The 90-minute Annie Jr. performance was shorten even more, with the orchestra’s overture eliminated and some scenes cut. There were also changes to some scenes, too.

For example, during the three performances last weekend, the character of Mrs. Hannigan blows a whistle at the orphans often during the first and second acts, but during the autism-friendly performance on Thursday morning, there was no whistle.

Students with autism may also fidget during a theatre performance. It may be hard for them to sit in their seats and be quiet for a long time.

So those in attendance during the Fuller special performance were allowed to have conversations, leave their seats during the performance, and Whole Foods Marketplace donated “fidget toys” to attendees.

“The students who attended the performance were captivated. They were able to enjoy the performance in an accepting and comfortable environment,” said Shea, who is in her second year at Fuller Middle.

“This event was truely a gift to both the cast and the audience. I am very grateful to the supportive administration for all of their support in making this performance a reality,” said Shea.

“The children on the stage learned compassion and the power theater can have on all people,” said Framingham K-12 Fine and Performing Arts Director Donna Wresinski.

“The audience, because of all your hard work and preparation Teri, were well prepared, excited and thoroughly engaged in the performance. You and your kids changed lives today,” Wresinski wrote in an email to Shea. “Every teacher stopped me to tell me how the social stories you sent were so thoughtfully prepared. I honestly don’t know how you found the time to do all this work while directing Annie. It is clearly a part of your spirit. Your administrators should be so proud of all you have added to Fuller.”

“Congratulations to Teri and her crew,” said King Elementary School Principal Kim Taylor in an email. “I was glad to have been able to accompany our students and watch them enjoy the performance! Nice work!”

“Fuller used theater to teach all children,” said Wresinski. “You should be so proud!”

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Photo by Petroni Media Company.

Pictured is Fiana Herscovici as Mrs, Hannigan and Sonnet Shea as Annie.

To view 2 dozen of photos from the production, click here and view an additional 200+ photos by clicking here.