Kevin SpencerIllusionist Kevin Spencer will perform a family- and sensory-friendly afternoon of magic on Saturday, Oct. 1, presented by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
Spencer is a world-renowned illusionist, widely considered the leading authority on the therapeutic use of magic tricks in special education and rehabilitation. His free Alys Stephens Center show is a sensory-friendly performance designed to accommodate individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Kevin Spencer magic show is one of many free performances included in the Alys Stephens Center’s 20th anniversary season. See the full season online.
The show is set for 1 p.m. Oct. 1, in the Alys Stephens Center’s Sirote Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. South. It is free and open to the community. For more information, call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama makes this performance possible.
Presented in partnership with KultureCity, the sensory-friendly performance will feature a friendly, supportive environment for an audience of families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues. Slight adjustments to the production have been made, including the reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience. The outer lobby will include quiet areas and an activity area staffed with autism specialists for those who need to leave their seats during the performance. All are welcome to come to the performance, with the understanding that the theater is a judgment-free zone with a performance geared toward individuals with sensory issues.
Spencer is a teaching artist, researcher, speaker, consultant and film producer who believes in creating inclusive communities where everyone experiences an authentic sense of belonging and no one — for any reason — is relegated to the margins.
Spencer is the founder of the “Healing of Magic” and “Hocus Pocus” programs. As Spencers Magic, he and his wife, Cindy, were the recipients of the Merlin Award for International Magicians of the Year in 2009 and six-time recipients of Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year. As an illusionist, he has dozens of accolades to his credit, most recently the Milbourne Christopher Foundation Illusionists of the Year (2015). Kevin and Cindy Spencer have dedicated their lives to making a difference in communities around the world, both on and off the stage. When he is not touring the world with his illusion production, he is engaged in research and continuing education.