'Branching Out', a sensory-immersive theater experience, comes to Tilles Center

Families looking for a performance with sensory fun and games can attend a showing of "Branching Out," an immersive theater production created by Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville.

The show on April 5-6 is designed specifically for "audiences on the autism spectrum as well as visitors with limited movement, sensory or complex communication needs," says Stephanie Turner, the director of education at the Tilles Center.

Turner describes the performance as a "non-shushing show" where audience members are free to move around, dance, sing and explore the stage set.

The sensory-immersive theater at the Tilles Center is a small, nontraditional performance space.  The show has a limited audience size and only 20 participants are permitted at each showing.

"Branching Out" tells the story of Mother Nature's daughter, Natura, deciding, with the audience's help, which of the four seasons is her favorite. An actor brings each season to life, taking attendees along.

During the show, the audience feels the cold of winter, smells springtime flowers and sees the glimmer of fireflies. A life-size tree sits on the stage, and kids help to transform it by adding flowers, icicles and other seasonal components. "Everyone who attends the show has the opportunity to come on stage and transform the tree," says Turner.

"Our goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment for everyone," Turner says.

The theater provides a quiet space with sensory toys for those needing a break, along with a short video with images of the theater and the actors explaining what to expect during the show. Music and other materials will be sent to ticket holders in advance to help audience members feel prepared and comfortable, Turner says.