In most states, when people with special needs reach twenty six years old, they "age out" of traditional school-based special education programs. But, there is one open spot for all theatre performers in northwest lower Michigan. WCMU's Tina Sawyer went to Traverse City to learn more about this all-inclusive theatre program.
This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Listen to this story by clicking the LISTEN play button above.
Tina Sawyer: A large room at Kensington Church is already set up with a stage and shimmery curtains as Shelby Eppich...the woman who runs the theatre...drops 17 brightly colored polka dots on the floor. These so called "pancakes" are where students will sit as they get ready for rehearsal.
Shelby Eppich: It's the one on the dot, you guys.
TS: The group is designed to make performers out of everyone, including students with disabilities. I spoke with Shelby to learn more about what student gain from being in the program...
SE: You give them an outlet to perform or put on a mask and be somebody who they might not be in Thei everyday life and inspiration just flows out of them. It is crazy to see the switch that kind of happens. One of my favorite memories from Michigan State was we had a student who was nonverbal also had cerebral palsy, and so she couldn't walk. But by the end of my four years there... was walking. But she worked on her affliction even to be able to speak to you once she kind of saw what the arts can kind of manipulate in the brain, in a great and forecast way that, you know, none of us really saw Coming. And so there's a need.
TS: Now is it just for children? Or is it for adults as well?
SE: All ages are welcome. I think even in this class, my youngest is probably 7 or 8 and our oldest is in her mid 40s. We partnered kind of in a way with Down syndrome Association of Northern Michigan. And so Susan Fall is the leader of that group. And so she got connected, found us. I think it was through a Facebook page I had dropped when I had moved here to Traverse City. And she saw it and saw a real opportunity for those that group. And so they just figured theater would be a great add to that mix. And so though it's through the Down syndrome Association of Northern Michigan, we do have kids with any abilities in this class. We have some autism Down syndrome, other different disabilities in There.
TS: I understand this group started in Metro Detroit back in 2012 As 4th Wall Theatre Company and it was started by Katie Mann and Annie Clark. and then it moved to other areas like MSU, where you told me you went to school. So why did they change the name to open Spot theater?
SE: Because there's an "open spot" for all, so it doesn't matter what ability you have or disability you have, there is a seat for you.
TS: OK, so explain what you do. Do the students perform a set play, or do they write their own?
SE: The kids devise a play in some capacity. This one is more in the form of a talent show, but we try to make a story out of their talent show and make it into a play. They're allowed to be whoever they want to be. So this session we've got a Taylor Swift, we've got a pirate. We've got a Little bit of everybody in this class coming up and then we'll learn a dance as well, which the students will perform altogether. As a group.
TS: Singing, dancing, and acting are all included in the programs. Along with music therapy. And here's example of music and movement with drumsticks. It teaches the students how to listen and how to keep time.
(Drumming ambi-"listen to Miss Shelby"... )
TS: Now do the parents. Do they become a part of it as well?
SE: The parents are really awesome that they allow us to be able to do exactly that. They stay out in the lobby during the whole class. Time. Class is an hour long, but then once it comes to the showcase at the very end, they're able to come bring whatever family they want to. This room is full of love and laughter when that happens so nice.
TS: What is the take away from open Spot Theater?
SE: I mean, I think there are three rules really speak for itself in some ways is be safe, be brave and always be respectful. I mean, I think you can apply that to anything you do in life and you know, it's funny enough as those words are and you'll see we do them.With arm muscles, right, so we say be safe. Be brave. And always be Respectful and even that one kind of Comes with a grunge. but it's because it's so true. Anywhere you go, those rules can be applicable to anything you do.
