Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Paramount Hudson Valley Arts Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: PHVA
Mailing Address: Paramount Theater, 1008 Brown Street
City: Peekskill
State: NY
Postal Code: 10566
Main Phone: 914-739-0039
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://paramounthudsonvalley.com
Employer ID Number: 46-4031449
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 23, 2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Sensory Friendly Performances for Youth with Autism & Developmental Disabilities
Project Description:

PHVA proposes to expand our Sensory Friendly Performance Series serving youth with autism and other social, learning, and cognitive disabilities. During our upcoming 2026-2027 season, we’ll present six Sensory Friendly shows at our 1,050-seat venue, the Paramount Theater in Peekskill, NY. This doubles the shows we presented during our successful pilot series in 2024-2026. We’ll serve up to 6,300 youth and their dedicated caregivers. To lower economic barriers for this audience, which includes many families in need, we’ll distribute 300+ FREE tickets and steeply discount 700+ tickets for each show.

Our Sensory Friendly shows are specially designed for children with developmental disabilities:
*Quieter sound levels and no sound cues that are abrupt/startling;
*House lights stay on, dimmed, so the theater is never dark;
*“No shushing” policy: Children are never asked to be quiet during shows;
*”Zen Zone” in our lobby: A relaxing area for children who need a break from the show.

Artists expected to be featured:
*Lori Berkner Band. Called “the queen of kids music” by People Magazine, Lori’s award-winning songs are streamed by families 10 million times a month! Lori has toured sensory-friendly concerts since 1992.

*Nutcracker: Short & Sweet. This relaxed, one-hour ballet by Hudson Valley Dance Theatre features professional dancers and rising ballet stars.

*The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. This adaptation of Eric Carle’s beloved picture book features 6 actors and 75 puppets!

*Curious George and the Golden Meatball. This musical adventure stars the inquisitive and lovable monkey we all know from books, movies and the award-winning PBS television show.

*Cinderella. The Panto Company’s uplifting musical helps Cinderella’s naughty stepsisters learn the importance of being kind to everyone.

*Chick Chicka Boom Boom. Inspired by the beloved book, this musical adventure turns the alphabet into colorful characters who sing and dance up and down that famous coconut tree.

Total Project Budget: $76,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): New York State Council on the Arts (committed), Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation (potential), Impact 100 Westchester (potential), Milbank Foundation (potential), Looking Out Foundation (potential)

Project Duration: One year
Geographical Area Served: Hudson Valley region of New York: Westchester, Putnam, Orange and Rockland counties and the Bronx (NYC)
Age Group To Be Served: Age 6-21 (children and youth with disabilities) and their caregivers

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Abigail
Contact Last Name: Adams
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 914.649.5606
Contact Email: paramounthvgrants@gmail.com