Local organizations collaborate for sensory-friendly theater production
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three local organizations joined forces to present an interactive, sensory-friendly theater production designed to make live performance accessible to children with special needs.
Family Community Theatre, Reno County Educational Cooperative and Clothed in Compassion collaborated to stage "Stone Soup" at the Gallery Theater in Hutchinson Community College's Stringer Fine Arts building. The 10-minute production, directed by Elaine Lowder, encouraged children's participation through visuals and props while offering flexible seating options and sensory bags.
Family Community Theatre, which operates the historic FLAG Theatre downtown, has served the regional community since 1988. The nonprofit organization was founded to provide quality, family-friendly theatrical productions and educational opportunities for all ages. FCT produces eight shows annually and has presented 207 mainstage productions since its inception.
The Reno County Educational Cooperative, established in 1977, serves students with disabilities from birth to 21 years old across five school districts in Reno County. The interlocal organization employs over 250 licensed staff and paraeducators, providing special education services including occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy — making it an ideal partner for sensory-friendly programming.
The performance featured both veteran actors and newcomers, with cast members ranging from age 10 to adult. Families could choose traditional seating or floor arrangements, with tables providing snacks and sensory-friendly materials to help children engage with the theater experience.
Funding for the production came through a grant from the Youth Philanthropy Council, highlighting community investment in inclusive programming.
Clothed in Compassion, one of the collaborating organizations, was founded in 2022 by pediatric therapist Megan Bartley and operates from First United Methodist Church. The clinic serves children with developmental, communication and emotional challenges, making it a natural partner for sensory-friendly community programming.
The collaboration reflects a growing trend toward inclusive community events that address the needs of families seeking accessible activities for children with special needs. Such partnerships help bridge gaps between therapeutic services and community engagement.
"Our therapy services are all about helping you live your best life—at home, work, school, everywhere," according to the organization's mission statement.
Bartley, known to clients as "Miss Megan," established the nonprofit corporation to provide what she describes as holistic care that addresses both clinical needs and family dynamics. The clinic's services include occupational therapy to help children with daily living skills, speech therapy to develop communication abilities, and play therapy to help children process emotions.
The organization operates Monday through Thursday with administrative services available from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Families can schedule consultations by calling (620) 741-6677 or emailing clothedincompassionoffice@gmail.com.
Clothed in Compassion represents part of a broader trend of community-based therapy practices emerging to fill gaps in pediatric mental health and developmental services. The clinic's faith-based approach aims to integrate clinical expertise with compassionate care.
The organization welcomes partnerships with community groups and accepts financial support to maintain its affordable service model.
Located at 101 E. 1st Ave., the clinic encourages families to call before visiting to ensure staff availability during therapy sessions.
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