Experience STOA! Sensory-Friendly Show Saturday, January 17th at 2pm

It is important to us that children and families with sensory considerations have meaningful access to live theatre and family-friendly productions like STOA: A New Children’s Musical.

For this reason, we have created a Sensory-Friendly Performance on Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 PM (matinee).

This performance will feature reduced auditory and visual stimuli and a flexible, welcoming theater environment, allowing audience members to engage in ways that feel comfortable and supported.

Our sensory-friendly adaptation was crafted by Sarah Keely Decker, Music Director and Co-Composer of STOA, who is also studying to become a licensed music therapist. She collaborated with Jeff Pelly, Director of Specialized Programs at the Williamsport Area School District, to thoughtfully shape the lower-sensory experience.

Performance Details

Sensory-Friendly Performance of STOA: A New Children’s Musical
Saturday, January 17, 2026
2:00 PM
Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College
Williamsport, PA

Tickets

Tickets for our sensory-friendly performance are discounted to $10 per families or $5 per individual ticket, reinforcing the production’s goal of reducing barriers to participation.

Tickets are available at the door prior to the performance. Doors open at 1:20pm

What To Expect

Reduced Visual Stimuli

  • Softer lighting

  • House lights on

*Please note: due to the resonance of the venue, we can only reduce auditory stimuli slightly.

Audience members with aural sensitivity are recommended to bring preferred noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs for their comfort.

Adapted Theater Etiquette

  • Tactile items encouraged (fidget toy, stuffie, blanket, etc.)

  • Beverages and snacks permitted

  • Again, movement encouraged!

What To Expect Information

  • Campus Map/Building preview

  • Location of bathrooms, quiet room, etc.

  • Program includes a story overview, including warnings before unexpected events (i.e. louder noises or distress)

  • Social Story

Varied Seating

Adjacent quiet room provided

  • Open seating; seats are not numbered

  • Close-sitting proximity encouraged

  • Movement encouraged

Provided Volunteers

  • Front of House staff

  • Trained to facilitate/assist audience during the show

  • Students from Lycoming College’s education department

Campus Map
Sensory Performance Social Story

Watch our STOA Sensory-Friendly Social Story designed by Sarah Keely Decker.

  • "Sensory-friendly theatre honors the diverse ways in which we engage with and receive the world around us. Our adapted sensory show invites audience members to feel free to be themselves as they enjoy the story of STOA.”

    - Sarah Keely Decker