Castlereagh School students dive into under-the-sea adventure thanks to Telethon and Sensorium Theatre

The salty scent of the ocean was in the air at Castlereagh School this week as students were taken on a magical underwater journey thanks to a unique sensory theater experience.

Glittering shells, waves of blue fabric, and a sea of ​​bubbles transformed the classroom into an underwater playground, courtesy of Sensorium Theater, a Telethon-funded multi-sensory performing arts program.

For a special week, Castlereagh School in Perth’s southern suburbs has been transformed into an undersea wonderland where children with disabilities and high support needs can dive into the world of storytelling.

Sensorium Theatre’s latest show, Odyssey, is no ordinary performance.

It offers interactive theater specially designed for disabled children in its most accessible and fascinating form; A place where audiences don’t just watch, they see, hear, touch, smell and even taste throughout the story.

“This is more than just a trip to the beach,” Castlereagh Headteacher Pauline Winrow said.

“An undersea adventure that will unlock a spectacular surprise.”

Every student in the school has the opportunity to participate in the performance, many of whom are nonverbal, visually impaired, or have sensory needs that make traditional performances inaccessible.

“Sensorium offers our students a wonderful interactive theater experience they cannot find anywhere else,” said Ms. Winrow.

“They become involved in a story and a wonderland of sensory images and supports.”

Odyssey’s colorful aquatic set is filled with tactile fabrics, shimmering nautical decorations, and carefully designed scents and sounds.

It creates a safe and welcoming environment for children who often find new spaces overwhelming or unattractive.

“I know from experience that I will see the same reactions that children who do not usually participate in group activities would see,” Ms. Winrow said.

“They get a sense of curiosity… a sense of being in a safe place, learning new things.

“Sometimes it’s hard to convince them to leave at the end of the show.”

And it’s not just students who benefit from this; parents and families are also feeling the impact.

“Our children often cannot go to the movies or watch live shows with their families,” he said.

“But when you have something like Sensorium designed to meet their needs, the whole family can enjoy it.”