Whole Children and Milestones Theater Studio received a grant to help develop and stage its yearly original performing arts show at Smith College.

The Theater Studio gives about 20 teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to explore their passion for acting, dancing and singing. Each fall in Theater Studio they create and then rehearse a new show, which is then staged twice in March to sold-out audiences at Hallie Flanagan Theatre.

This experience allows students with special needs to work on their performing arts skills, practice team work and build confidence through public performances.

Whole Children’s Valle Dwight says the theme of all the performances is a celebration of individuality and differences, and “… each demonstrates to the community that people with disabilities should not be relegated to the sidelines in theater or in life.”

The 2018 show was a mash-up of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King.” You had to be there! And you should be there next year. The actors already are rehearsing “Do You Believe in Magic” for the musical portion of the new show.