My daughter Amanda and her best friend Ellie have a passionate love for musical theater. Every aspect entrances their imagination and grabs their attention. They have been lucky to participate in Community Theater as youngsters, but as they have matured the opportunities have been more difficult to find. Amanda and Ellie have special needs. While their challenges might make it a little harder to s
ing on key, dance with rhythm, or articulate lines, their passion for performance is as strong as anyone’s on Broadway. There are workshops and theater classes at local colleges they can audit or join, but what they truly desire is to be in a real show. Wear the mic tape. Don the costume. Let’s face it, have the spotlight squarely on them. Be an integral part of something magical. Not surprisingly, when asking parents of adults with special needs, this love of performance and musical theater is not isolated to Amanda and Ellie. Others wish to wear the mic tape, don the costume, be an integral part of something magical. This is the reason Front Row Players was formed. We will work on embracing a character, singing from the soul, and finding joy in movement. The benefits are numerous. Theater teaches skills in memorization, collaboration, articulation, gross and fine motor activities, to name just a few. Our end of semester Cabaret will be a celebration. The goal is not for a perfect show. We will ask all that attend to listen with your heart, see with understanding, and experience with pride all the work and learning that has occurred. Our Pilot Semester is geared to create a template for our future. We have connected with professional instructors who understand that learning and confidence are the main goals. They all have experience in performing and have worked with students with special needs. Attached are their individual biographies. Our semester will run from 9/10/2016-12/2/2016. We will rehearse on Saturday Mornings from 9-12pm at Eastern Hills Bible Church in Manlius NY 13104. Please consider donating to support this endeavor. We will provide updates and information as our semester progresses and of course we hope to see you at the show!
