The Adventures of Spectrum Sparks

Summer 2024 / Frisco Discovery Center

Reviews and Feedback

  • "This play, put on by an autistic and neurodivergent cast, had such a wonderful message. Anytime Josh and I can get Silas to hear that his autism does not mean he is broken or in need of being fixed, we love it! The play taught about inclusion and accommodations in such a fun, informative and imaginative way. It was also sensory friendly, so Silas didn’t get scared at any point during the performance. It wasn’t too bright or too dark. The audience was limited on purpose to keep anyone from getting overwhelmed by too many people. She had a cast member who would be playing her guitar bring it out ahead of time and strum it, so the kids could hear what it would sound like. They suggested a good place off to the side to go if you just needed to stim or wiggle. Silas also loved the visual schedules (3 different ones) that were built into the set, so he could track where they were in the story. Thanks to the cast and crew of this production! It was wonderful!"

    Nissa R.
    Parent and Patron

  • "I had the chance to see "The Adventures of Spectrum Sparks" tonight and I cannot say this enough — if you want hope in our next generation, RUN and see this now!! This play was written by Grace Everett and it was intended for neurodivergent / autistic children but it is seriously for ANYONE. This play is about inclusion, acceptance, respecting boundaries, understanding differences and different behaviors and SO MUCH MORE"

    Annette T.
    Patron

  • "I had the opportunity to see Spectrum Spark! This weekend. It is in a word EXTRAORDINARY. I only wish this had been available when my child was younger or for that matter when I was a child. The message is simple, we are all different and that what makes us wonderful. There was a young child at the show I attended who I can only imagine would have struggled in a "normal" theater production. Not only was he allowed to enjoy the show he was able to move and interact too. This show is so well written, you can see it was written from the heart with an understanding of the audience. I was moved to tears throughout the show. Every child should have a chance to see this amazing play.

    Robbin B.
    Parent and Patron

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Commissioned by CenterStage Theatre Works for Frisco Discovery Center, who suggested that we provide a play for autistic/neurodivergent children. Ultimately, this play touched a much larger audience than expected, with others with different abilities and in different age groups who felt moved by the messages in this wonderful story for all ages about a robot who is “lost” (but not broken) and has left his factory and needs help from others in order to navigate the world.

Premiered at Frisco Discovery Center July 11-13, 2024.

Written by Grace Everett

Co-directed by Grace Everett and Thomas Schnaible

The Cast

Spectrum Sparks: Simon Heimersson / Penny: Katie Purdin / Jess: Deepti Aravapalli / Abby: Adelaide Laurence / Max: Bee Falcone / Ellen: Emilia Ordoñez / Lola: Isabelle Malone
Swing: Grace Everett

The Creative Team & Crew
Writer: Grace Everett / Co-Directors: Grace Everett and Thomas Schnaible / Lighting: Thomas Schnaible / Prop & Costume Designer: Deepti Aravapalli / Artwork: Gabi Crone / Scenic Painting: Gabi Crone & Angela Crone / Psychology Consultant: Amy Doar, LPC-S

Original Music “A Friend Will Always Listen”
Written by Adelaide Laurence and Grace Everett