Actors with disabilities perform Grease!
On Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5, an uplifting act of creative partnership will be on display as the T-Birds and Pink Ladies reunite in "Grease, a Review" at the Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center at 7 p.m. both evenings. The production is the culmination of efforts by Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) and the Buffalo Grove Park District to develop increased opportunities for individuals with disabilities to immerse themselves into full community theater productions.
This community production will be hosted by Big Deal Productions, managed by the Buffalo Grove Park District. As part of the NWSRA Broadway Buddies program, participants have practiced for two-three hours per week for approximately 12 weeks to ensure that their performances are ready. Through the Broadway Buddies program, individuals with disabilities are paired with volunteer "Buddies". These individuals serve as music directors, choreographers, mentor directors, stagehands, behavior support and many other roles throughout the process. Through the collective efforts of the Buffalo Grove Park District, NWSRA, Big Deal Productions, the volunteer "Buddies" and all of the cast members, this event will create an immersive theatrical experience for the actors and audience.
Show coordinator and NWSRA staff member Erica Stanko stated "We worked with the talents and abilities our participants do have, and we were able to showcase their strengths."
In 2015, Broadway Buddies hosted the "Willy Wonky Jr. Review". The stage was set with a 16-foot gate to the chocolate factory, detailed Oompa Loompa costumes, an inflatable blueberry costume for Violet Beauregarde and more. The Willy Wonka reception transformed the Community Arts Center into a real life candy factory, complete with custom wrapped Willy Wonka chocolate bars and other candy confections featured in the play. From the moment the attendee walked in the door, it felt as if they had stepped into the world of Willy Wonka.
Beginning in September, participants have learned skills such as characterization, projection and voice control, confidence on stage, musicality, choreography and movement, fluency in reading and delivering lines, stage direction, emotion, etc. These skills were taught through various games and activities. The actors were given scripts, music and choreography and were expected to practice at home.
NWSRA participant Rebecca Hackl played the role of Charlie in the 2016 "Willy Wonka Jr." production, while her sister Elise served as a teacher for the Broadway Buddies program. Rebecca, who has Autism, has participated in NWSRA programs for over 15 years, and has been part of many acting, music and dance programs with the organization.
Elise stated, "This production was an amazing opportunity for Rebecca to perform and to be part of the community. The cool thing about community theater is that there is no age limit, no limit on accessibility, and no limit on acceptance. Becca and I were both able to be part of something bigger than us and give back to our community in a way that is meaningful to us."
Through theater, individuals are able to find, develop and enhance many skills including improvisation, communication, socialization and so much more. The process of learning a script, interacting with peers and coaches, helping with back stage production lends itself to the rapid development of skills that may not be found through other means.
"The community is greatly impacted by our partnerships- bringing activities and experiences to everyone," Elise added. "By partnering with NWSRA, we were able to ensure that everyone is not just accepted at the program, but thrives from being part of the program."
Big Deal Productions, managed by the Buffalo Grove Park District, has staged a variety of musical and theatrical productions throughout the year at its newly acquired and renovated Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center.
Buffalo Grove Park District Executive Director Ryan Risinger stated "We are really proud to be able to partner with NWSRA, and provide the community with a program that allows people with a variety of disabilities to be able to participate in a community theater program. For years we've seen how the Buddy Baseball program has enriched the lives of hundreds of people; now we are doing the same thing, but for people who love theater and performing on stage. The benefits to the performers, the buddies who assist them, and their families is unmeasurable."
NWSRA Executive Director Tracey Crawford stated "This event serves as an example of how quality of life, self-empowerment and social equity can be achieved through innovative collaboration. We appreciate the continued partnership with the Buffalo Grove Park District and thank them for their outstanding efforts."
For information, contact Jessi Hersman at jessi@bgparks.org.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.bigdealproductions.org