Join us for this interactive, heartfelt, and playful production for people with cognitive disabilities featuring Flute Theatre of London!
Pericles: An Adaptive Show for People with Cognitive Disabilities
Adapted from the play by William Shakespeare
On Tour:
Boulder, Aurora, and Colorado Springs
More information about each location to follow.
Performance Dates:
Boulder: May 7 – 10, 2025
Colorado Springs: May 15 – 18, 2025
Aurora: May 22 – 24, 2025
Aurora Address:
Larry Carter Theater Community College of Aurora | CenterTech Campus 16000 East Centretech Parkway Aurora, Colorado 80011
Consulted on by
Flute Theatre in London
Directed by Kelly Hunter
ArtsHERE NEA Grant Winner!
If you’d like to come to the show but don’t think you’ll be able to due to financial barriers, contact us at info@phamaly.org.
Sponsored by:
ArtsHERE of the National Endowment for the Arts
The Center for Humanities and the Arts at the University of Colorado Boulder
The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Colorado Boulder
Ent Center for the Arts
Community College of Aurora
SYNOPSIS:
From the creative hub of Flute Theatre in London, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s Pericles utilizes The Hunter Heartbeat Method – a unique style of storytelling geared towards audiences with all types of cognitive disabilities. Through a series of engaging sensory drama games, the audience will be transported into Shakespeare’s classic tale of adventure, loss, and redemption in this groundbreaking production, which aims to bring the gift of theatre to those who may not have ever experienced its transformational power.
Have a cognitive disability? Sign up to participate in the drama games or watch from the outside. No prior knowledge of Shakespeare is necessary! All ages are welcome.
FAQ
- What is a cognitive disability?
- Cognitive disability encompasses a range of conditions such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disability. While the Hunter Heartbeat Method was originated by and for autistic individuals, we encourage individuals of all cognitive disability backgrounds to join us in this individually adaptable show.
- Cognitive disability encompasses a range of conditions such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disability. While the Hunter Heartbeat Method was originated by and for autistic individuals, we encourage individuals of all cognitive disability backgrounds to join us in this individually adaptable show.
- What is the Hunter Heartbeat Method?
- The Hunter Heartbeat Method is a Shakespearean based theater intervention developed by Kelly Hunter of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Flute Theatre. The Hunter Heartbeat method is based around the rhythm of iambic pentameter, the sound of the heartbeat, and Shakespeare’s interpretation of what it feels like to be alive. Sensory-based games revolving around the plot of Shakespeare’s work target skills such as eye contact, facial emotion recognition and production, turn taking, imitation, and communication in a fun and playful manner. Participants learn the games while seated in a large group circle through imitation and observation rather than explicit instruction, have an opportunity to play the games one-on-one with an actor, and then have an opportunity to enter the middle of the circle and show their interpretation of the game to their peers. The Hunter Heartbeat method emphasizes the low actor to participant ratio so participants receive individual attention, feedback, and interaction as they play the games and grow and develop core social skills and communication.
- The Hunter Heartbeat Method is a Shakespearean based theater intervention developed by Kelly Hunter of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Flute Theatre. The Hunter Heartbeat method is based around the rhythm of iambic pentameter, the sound of the heartbeat, and Shakespeare’s interpretation of what it feels like to be alive. Sensory-based games revolving around the plot of Shakespeare’s work target skills such as eye contact, facial emotion recognition and production, turn taking, imitation, and communication in a fun and playful manner. Participants learn the games while seated in a large group circle through imitation and observation rather than explicit instruction, have an opportunity to play the games one-on-one with an actor, and then have an opportunity to enter the middle of the circle and show their interpretation of the game to their peers. The Hunter Heartbeat method emphasizes the low actor to participant ratio so participants receive individual attention, feedback, and interaction as they play the games and grow and develop core social skills and communication.
- Can my non-verbal family member participate?
- Absolutely! The Hunter Heartbeat method focuses on “conversations of the body” or how to feel and acknowledge emotions in the body. Spoken language is far from required, and we encourage everyone to join us!
- Absolutely! The Hunter Heartbeat method focuses on “conversations of the body” or how to feel and acknowledge emotions in the body. Spoken language is far from required, and we encourage everyone to join us!
- How do I make sure my or my family member’s accessibility needs are met?
- Our community engagement manager, Grace Tate, will be reaching out to all participants and audience members to share information on the show as well as obtain information on your accessibility needs. If you have questions before purchasing tickets, reach out to Grace at grace@phamaly.org.
- Our community engagement manager, Grace Tate, will be reaching out to all participants and audience members to share information on the show as well as obtain information on your accessibility needs. If you have questions before purchasing tickets, reach out to Grace at grace@phamaly.org.
- Do participants have to attend every show?
- No, participants are not required to attend every show. We welcome you to join us for more than one performance, but it is not required.
- No, participants are not required to attend every show. We welcome you to join us for more than one performance, but it is not required.
- Are there required rehearsals?
- No, there are no required rehearsals before performances. As the show is interactive and comprised of sensory games, there is no rehearsal or line memorization required!
- No, there are no required rehearsals before performances. As the show is interactive and comprised of sensory games, there is no rehearsal or line memorization required!
- What information will be provided beforehand?
- Before the performance, a guide including detailed instructions for arrival at the venue and timeline of the performance will be provided. We refer to this as a social story, and it will include pictures!
- Before the performance, a guide including detailed instructions for arrival at the venue and timeline of the performance will be provided. We refer to this as a social story, and it will include pictures!
- What should I wear as a participant?
- Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in! No costumes required.
Cast (Listed Alphabetically)
Annie Sand
Casey Myers
Corey Exline
Jamie Bruce
Katelyn Kendrick
Kennedy Isaac
Maggie Whittum
Miranda Ireland
Trenton Schindele
Vin Ernst
Production Team
Director: Kelly Hunter
Assistant Director: Natasha Haward
Stage Manager: Megan Wilson
Production Manager: Annie Jacobs
Accommodations Specialist: Ben Raanan
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
- American Sign Language Interpretation is available by request for any performance with 2 weeks advance notice, by emailing info@phamaly.org
- Audio Description is available by request for any performance with 2 weeks advance notice, by emailing info@phamaly.org
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating
- Accessibility Materials: Braille programs, Sensory Guide, Accessibility Guide, Fidgets, etc. available at all performances
COVID POLICY:
Phamaly is a disability-affirmative company and we highly encourage audiences to wear face masks at all performances to help protect our artists. Phamaly Theatre Company values the safety of our community and reserves the right to add or remove COVID safety protocols at any time. By purchasing a ticket you agree to follow all COVID-19 safety policies and directives. Please email info@phamaly.org with any questions.