CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Reynolds Performance Hall will hold performances by famed illusionist Kevin Spencer at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8.
The show will last one hour and is appropriate for children and adults with sensory sensitivities and developmental or intellectual disabilities. Tickets are on sale now at $5 for children and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the Reynolds Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling UCA Ticket Central at 501-450-3265 or toll-free at 866-810-0012.
“The Magic of Kevin Spencer” is part of the Reynolds Main Stage Education program and is funded partially by a grant from Conway’s Advertising and Promotion Commission and the Arkansas Community Foundation of Faulkner County. This relaxed, sensory-friendly family event combines storytelling, stage magic and audience participation.
“Kevin Spencer made such a positive impact in our community during his residency in November 2020. I had parents, educators and students speak passionately about the benefits they personally had from Kevin’s classes and the sensory-friendly show. Due to the pandemic, we were limited in the amount of people we could serve, so I’m thrilled about the opportunity to bring him back and serve even more people in our community,” said Amanda Horton, executive director of public appearances at Reynolds Performance Hall. “This is truly a show that the whole family can enjoy.”
Additionally, a services fair will be held at 1 p.m. in the Reynolds lobby before the Saturday show. Many organizations including Pediatrics Plus, Conway Community Connections and First Connections Early Intervention will be sharing information and holding giveaways.
Spencer is an educator, teaching artist, researcher, award-winning film producer, speaker and entertainer. For over 25 years, Spencer has toured the world with one of the largest and most successful theatrical illusion productions in the U.S. At the pinnacle of his career, he stepped away from the stage and into classrooms and hospitals. Spencer believes in creating inclusive communities where everyone experiences an authentic sense of belonging and no one is relegated to the margins.
Spencer’s work focuses on using the art of magic to change the lives of children with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual challenges, emotional behavior disorders and those who have experienced trauma. He is widely considered the leading authority on the educational and therapeutic benefits of arts-based programs in education and rehabilitation. His program, Hocus Focus™, is a 2020 nominee for the Zero Project Award which recognizes innovative practices and models that improve the daily lives of people with disabilities.
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