Paper Mill Playhouse Seeks Qualified Volunteer Autism Specialists

Paper Mill Playhouse is looking for qualified volunteer specialists to support their autism/sensory friendly live stage performances, specially designed for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.  

During these performances, the theater environment is altered to provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families, according to a press release from the Paper Mill. This program is planned with guidance from Autism New Jersey and the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University.

Paper Mill Playhouse will present an autism/sensory friendly performance of the Broadway musical, Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26. While the performance will have full lights, sets, costumes, cast and a live full orchestra, it is recommended only for families bringing a child or loved one with autism or a developmental disability.

Autism Friendly Spaces will oversee the on-site accommodations to provide additional support to the audience and promote a positive experience but Paper Mill is looking for qualified volunteer specialists to further support this program and help the staff create a welcoming environment for the families in attendance. 

To assist at this performance and future autism-friendly events, Paper Mill is asking that volunteer specialists possess certain minimum educational qualifications (listed below) and be willing to assist with the on-site set-up and management of activities and sensory-friendly accommodations. 'The Little Mermaid' runs over 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission. 

Volunteers will be invited to a dress rehearsal performance of 'The Little Mermaid' on May 28 at 7 p.m.; volunteers should arrive by 6:45 p.m. Volunteers must also attend a training session with Autism Friendly Spaces at the theater on the morning of June 15.

 Volunteer Specialists qualifications as provided by Paper Mill:

• Specialists should preferably have or are presently pursuing a Master’s degree in a discipline that's geared toward the education of young people with autism or other developmentally disabilities, such as education, speech pathology or psychology. 
• Undergraduates or persons without an advanced degree may have a minimum of 2 years of experience working in classrooms or facilities for students with autism or other developmentally disabilities. 
• Available for a single training session at Paper Mill Playhouse on the morning of Saturday, June 15th from 10am – 12pm.
• Available to be at Paper Mill Playhouse on Wednesday, June 26th from 2pm – 8pm.

Autism-Friendly Accommodations Include:

• Theater interior lights remain up, but dimmed
• Consistent sound level & lower volume
• Kids free to talk and walk about under parental supervision
• Activity and Quiet Spaces provided in the lobbies
• Family bathrooms – not gender specific
• BYO snacks & drinks for those with dietary restrictions
• Qualified specialists stationed inside the theater to lend assistance to families
• Online resource materials:  social story & study guide on www.PaperMill.org
• New to the theater experience? “MEET YOUR SEAT!” before the show – a FREE Open House expressly for children to visit the theater space on another day before the show. (no reservations required) 

For more information or to volunteer, contact Lisa Cooney, the Director of Education at  Paper Mill Playhouse, at LCooney@PaperMill.org or  973-315-1667.