Horse Power Social Narrative
Horse Power: Tom Bass’ American Story
Tom Bass, a Missourian born in slavery, became the greatest horseman of his time. Internationally known for being a horse whisperer, among his many accolades, he started the American Royal’s first horse show.
In contemporary times, Natalia (“Nate”) Edmonds loves horses, especially the one her parents bought her for her birthday. As a Black teenager, she learns about and is inspired by the legacy of Tom Bass as she grapples with what modern day racism looks like.
Horse Power is written by Michelle Tyrene Johnson, the award-winning playwright behind The Coterie’s Only One Day a Year, and is produced as part of the American Royal’s 125th Anniversary.
Live on stage September 11 – October 6, 2024
Sensory Friendly Performances: October 4 at 9:45am and October 5 at 2pm
I am going to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presented by actors at The Coterie Theatre.
This is what The Coterie looks like.
We are excited you are coming to see Horse Power: Tom Bass’ American Story at The Coterie Theatre.
I am going to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presented by actors at The Coterie Theatre.
This is what The Coterie looks like.
The Coterie is located inside of Crown Center.
Our actors have invited me to see Willy Wonka, Charlie, and more friends on stage.
I am so excited to travel to The Coterie to see this play!
When I get to Crown Center, I might walk in from outside, or I might come from the parking garage.
It might be loud in Crown Center. I can cover my ears or bring headphones to wear.
When you get to Crown Center, you might walk in from outside at Crown Center Square or from the parking garage.
It might be loud in Crown Center. You are welcome to protect your ears or bring earphones.
The Coterie is inside Crown Center. Crown Center is big. It has places to shop, play, and eat.
I might smell food and cooking. I can cover my nose. I will be okay.
Crown Center is large, and sometimes can be crowded.
It has many different stores, restaurants, and attractions. There might be strong smells of food cooking.
First, I will find The Coterie’s lobby.
I might have to stand in line to buy tickets at the Box Office or wait my turn to go inside the theater.
When you arrive to see the show, first find The Coterie’s lobby.
You might have to stand in line to wait to buy tickets at the Box Office or wait in line to get checked in before you go inside the theater.
There are many different things to look at on the walls in the lobby.
I can also see posters of all the shows from this season.
There are many different things to look at on the walls in the lobby.
You can also see posters of all the upcoming shows for this season.
Once I get checked in and it is my turn to go inside, a person called the House Manager will show me where to sit. I might sit on the floor or in a chair.
After I sit down, we will wait until everyone is ready to start the show.
Once you get checked in, you might pick your own seats, or a person called the House Manager might show you where to sit.
If I need to use the restroom before the show, there are family restrooms in Crown Center by the escalators across from The Coterie.
If you need to use the restroom before the show, there are family restrooms in Crown Center by the escalators across from The Coterie.
If I am feeling overwhelmed by the crowd or loud noises, my grown up can check out a sensory kit from the box office.
I can use the items in this kit before, during, and after the show, and return them to the box office window before I leave.
*These kits are available on a first come, first serve basis.
There are also sensory kits available to check out from the box office.
You can use the items in this kit before, during, and after the show, and return them to the box office window before you leave.
*These kits are available on a first come, first serve basis.
I will know it is almost time for the show to start when I hear an actor’s voice on the speaker.
I will turn my eyes to the stage to see the show begin.
When the show begins, you will hear an actor’s voice sharing some reminders for the pre-show announcement.
After this short recording, the show will start.
On the stage, Charlie and the other characters might look different from the movies.
The actors are wearing costumes and pretending to be characters in the story.
During the show, there might be different colored lights and sounds that help tell the story.
The lights and sounds might get bright and loud but they will not hurt me. If the noise gets too loud, I can cover my ears or wear headphones.
These moments will be modified for our Sensory Friendly Performances.
Lights, sounds, scenery, costumes, and props will all be used to help the actors tell the story. These have all been designed and built especially for this show.
You can learn more about the artists who designed them by scanning our QR code and reading our digital program.
These moments will be modified for our Sensory Friendly Performances.
Most often, I will see the actors in front of me on stage. There are times when they walk, stand, or move in the audience.
I might have to turn my head to see them, or they might be standing very close. If they are close to me, I know I am safe and they will not touch me.
Most often, the actors are on stage. However, there are times when they enter through the theater doors and walk through the audience.
The actors might be loud in these moments, you might have to turn to see them, or they might be standing or sitting close to you.
When I see things I like or think are funny, I can clap my hands or laugh. Others may also clap their hands and laugh too.
I can cover my ears or wear headphones if it is too loud for me.
Sometimes the audience will be loud too, as they react and clap at parts of the show. You are welcome to react and clap during the play too!
If these moments get too loud, you are welcome to cover your ears or wear headphones.
If I need to take a break, I can ask an adult to go with me back out to the lobby.
We will find the exit sign and walk out of the theater together.
If you need to take a break at any point, you can step back out into the lobby. Find the exit sign and walk out of the theater.
When you are ready to go back in, visit the box office so you can be reseated.
I know the show is almost over when the actors bow.
It may be loud as people will clap and cheer. If it is too loud for me, I can cover my ears or wear headphones.
You will know the show is over when the actors bow during curtain call.
It may be loud as people will clap and cheer.
After the show is over, the lights will come back on and everyone will leave the theater. The aisles may be crowded as everyone exits.
I will pay attention to my grown-up to help me safely wait my turn to use the aisle and exit through the doors.
After the show is over, the lights will come back on and everyone will exit the theater.
The aisles may be crowded as everyone exits. Please be patient as you may have to wait to use the aisle and exit through the doors.
At home I can tell my family or draw a picture all about my friends from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Coterie!
If you liked the show and want to do more, take a brochure in the lobby before you go to learn more about The Coterie’s shows and classes.
We hope you enjoy your time at The Coterie!
Social narrative created by The Coterie’s Education Department. Production photography by Nicole Bissey.
