The NICO Initiative
The NICO Initiative was inspired by my son, Nico, who is autistic and experiences the world—and the theater—in his own way.
I am launching this initiative for Nico, for children and adults with disabilities, and for anyone who may experience traditional theater environments differently. The goal is to create more opportunities for people who have historically faced barriers to participating in theater, film and community experiences, while also creating opportunities to celebrate and showcase the talents of people of all abilities.
Creating More Accessible Ways to Experience the Theater
The NICO Initiative supports programming centered around:
Accessibility
Sensory needs and sensory-friendly experiences
Representation of people of all abilities
Adaptive programming
Removing barriers to participation
Creating opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to perform, participate and share their talents
Developing theater experiences that can be enjoyed in different ways
While this programming is intentionally designed with the disability community and accessibility in mind, everyone is welcome to participate.
Accessibility does not always mean someone has a diagnosis or visible disability. Sometimes a child needs a quieter environment. Someone may benefit from additional time to enter or settle in. Another person may experience sound, light, crowds or waiting differently.
The goal is not to separate people. It is to create more ways for people to participate together.
Where It Started
When Nico was a baby, I began hosting a Sensitive Santa experience for children who might otherwise miss the opportunity to visit Santa because a traditional environment was difficult or inaccessible.
For some children, that may be because of sensory overload, difficulty waiting in long lines, a disability or another individual need. For others, a quiet, reserved visit is simply a more comfortable way to experience Santa.
Sensitive Santa has always been open to every child, regardless of ability, and that same philosophy will guide the NICO Initiative.
We will continue the Sensitive Santa tradition while expanding into new programming and experiences at Storm King Theater.
Programming We Hope to Grow
The NICO Initiative will support experiences such as sensory-friendly movies, adaptive community programming, inclusive performances, opportunities that highlight artists and performers of all abilities, and other programs designed to make the theater more accessible.
We also have an ambitious fundraising goal as we work toward bringing Omnium Circus to Storm King Theater—an experience that represents exactly the kind of inclusive, creative and accessible programming we hope to make possible through this initiative.
Supporting the NICO Initiative
The NICO Initiative has a dedicated fundraising effort specifically supporting accessible, inclusive and adaptive programming at Storm King Theater.
Support can help us expand programming, reduce barriers to participation, bring specialized experiences to our community and create opportunities that may not otherwise be financially possible.
If you are interested in:
Sponsoring a program or experience
Supporting the NICO Initiative financially
Volunteering
Partnering with us
Contributing services, expertise or resources
Helping us expand accessible and adaptive programming
please reach out to Elizabeth Yannone at elizabeth@stormkingtheater.com.
Our hope is to continue learning, growing and finding new ways to make Storm King Theater a place where more people can experience, participate in and contribute to what happens here—however they experience the world.