Trinity Rep's new take on 'A Christmas Carol' embraces neurodiversity

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — 'A Christmas Carol' at Trinity Rep: new, reimagined and inclusive!

"It might be an opportunity for everyone to see something that is new and fresh and it's going to be a wonderful experience," said Jenna Lea Scott who is in the production.

And this year, that included getting just the right cast.

"The casting calls were very specific to include folks who were neurodiverse, specifically who have autism, or are autistic, or have ADD or ADHD, OCD or any kind of neurodivergent identify," said Jordan Butterfield, director of education and accessibility at Trinity Rep.

"I'm dyslexic," said Scott, who plays Mrs. Cratchit.

"We're not specifically having her be neurodivergent but I, as an actress, I am neurodivergent."

Over the years, Scott says she's learned to advocate for herself.

"Ask for what I need. You know, if I need to see the script ahead of time it gives me the opportunity of having the same playing field as everybody else," said Scott.

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For Tiny Tim, no crutch this year.

Instead, a young actor with a common neurodevelopmental disorder.

"And it's going to be a conversation that the parents--Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit talk about a little bit about in the show," said Scott.

"The audience today I think will recognize the characters more, will relate to the characters more," said Butterfield.

For those with sensory sensitivities to light and sound--a handout is available to prepare you for a show that features abrupt changes--after all, it is a ghost story.

"If you need to wear your ear defenders, that's ok. If you need to bring and use fidgets," said Butterfield.

"Christmas Carol 2023 is going to include a lot more people that might not have been included before," said Scott.

There is a special sensory-friendlyplus matinee on Nov. 18.