Talespinner Children's Theatre is honored to announce that we have been awarded a Cleveland Foundation grant of $50,0000 for the research and development of sensory-friendly programming for children and young adults. This will allow us to expand the scope of our mission to ensure all children and families can experience the magic of live theatre in an environment where they feel safe and included. We will learn as a company through collaborations and partnerships with families and Cleveland-based organizations who specialize in providing care and educational opportunities to children who are better served under sensory-friendly conditions. This includes the creation of performances which are sign-interpreted, less sensory-overwhelming, and provide an artistic experience for children and families who frequently do not have access to this type of programming and enrichment. "I believe that the arts should be available and accessible to all--in the truest sense of the word. Talespinner Children's Theatre was founded in this belief. We are so grateful to The Cleveland Foundation for their belief in, and support of this new programming that reaches out to children and young adults that are often overlooked--or who have no access to programs that fit their needs. It is our hope that, throughout the development and growth of this arts programming, we can help to fill a need in this community, start a dialogue and exploration of what those needs and desires are, and begin to expand the awareness and creative potential for the families and children--as well as artists and teachers--in the area." -- TCT Founder and Executive Artistic Director Alison Garrigan *A word from The Cleveland Foundation:* We’re thrilled to announce a $50,000 March grant to Talespinner Children's Theatre <https://www.facebook.com/TCT4kids/?fref=mentions> supporting the development of four sensory-friendly #theater <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/theater?source=feed_text> productions for children and young adults with special needs such as #autism <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/autism?source=feed_text>, and hearing and sight impairment. Over the next two years, Talespinner Children’s Theatre (TCT) will develop sensory-friendly and financially-accessible programming, both artistic and educational, for differently-abled children and young adults in Greater #Cleveland <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/cleveland?source=feed_text>. The result will be four one-weekend-long productions, each addressing a specific special need. One production will pay special attention to signed interpretation, one to tactile experience, one will be low-stimulation, and one will address child audience members who may have special physical needs, such as wheelchairs. Once the program is fully developed, TCT will create professional development workshops to help broaden interest and deepen conversation about the need to provide arts programming for children and young adults with differing developmental abilities. *Stop by 2-5PM May 6 for Sundae Sunday: a benefit for Talespinner Children's Theatre the whole family can attend! <https://www.facebook.com/events/1664826206971208/>* Theatre games! Face paints! Crafts! TCT characters! And Sweet Moses ICE CREAM! Drench your ice cream in chocolate sauce, sprinkles and whipped cream as you help us continue our mission, providing quality, locally produced programming for every family! You'll get to see some of your favorite TCT characters from past productions as you learn theatre games, have your face painted and make a puppet or mask of your very own to take home! At TCT we want you to let your imagination PLAY! *Join us for this springtime benefit - a sweet way to help us spin tales for years to come.* Tickets: Children (12 and under): $10 Seniors and Students (with ID): $12 Adults: $15 Marketing and Box Office Talespinner Children's Theatre *2018 Season:* *The Oba Asks For a Mountain** (A Tale of Nigeria)* April 7 - 29 By Gail Nyoka, Directed by Chennelle Byrant Harris, Movement by Andrea Belser *The Princess and the Nightingale (A Tale of Thailand)* June 9 - July 1 By Marian Fairman, Directed by Tim Maca, Movement and Music by Devon Turchan *Jan and the Trickster (A Traveling Tale of Poland)/Stay & Play Matinees * July 20-22 By Krysia Orlowski, Directed by Charles Hargrave *The Boy Who Stole the Sun (An Inuit Creation Tale)* Sept. 15 - Oct. 7 In partnership with L.E.N.A.C., Adapted & Directed by Alison Garrigan *A Song in the Flame (A Tale of Israel) *Nov. 24 - Dec. 16 By Margi Herwald Zitelli, Directed by Alison Garrigan, Movement by Stephanie Wilbert Reinberger Auditorium | 5209 Detroit Ave. - Cleveland, Ohio 44102 | 216.264.9680 www.talespinnerchildrenstheatre.org