News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.

Good News Friday!

Mar-01-2024

Services

On March 14^th, Imagine! will be hosting another edition of “Center Stage” – a play written, produced, and performed by participants in Imagine!’s School Age Services. Last Tuesday afternoon, participants gathered for a rehearsal as opening night gets ever closer! Check out some pictures of the rehearsal, and get an in-depth look into the upcoming performance below!

Many thanks to Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC) for their generous support of this production!

Spring 2024 Center Stage Q&A with Dani Michaelis, Program Specialist for Imagine!’s Social Enterprise Program

1) Tell me about how the Center Stage program works. Do participants help write the script? Do they get to decide the different characters?

We collaborate with two directors from Dandelion Arts Collective, Mimi Ferrie Lee and Kristel Jelinek Brown. For the first 2-3 rehearsals these directors facilitate improv activities for the performers. The group then collaborates on ideas surrounding setting, theme, and characters. This often looks like an open forum where performers yell out ideas they would love to see in the show. The ideas are often posted up on a board for participants to look over and discuss. Typically, the process then flows into several votes. They will use voting to narrow down the many ideas thrown out and continue voting until a setting and/or theme has been identified. Once the setting or theme is identified, the directors facilitate a discussion surrounding what sounds, smells, tastes, and sights might surround that theme or setting. The group will often participate in a couple more improv activities where they incorporate the theme, sounds, sights, smells, and tastes they brainstormed.

Our two directors take notes and videos to capture the creative ideas the performers identified through the improv work and collaborative discussion. They use these notes and videos to build a script that includes the ideas, theme, setting, and characters the group selected and discussed.

Once the script is built, performers are encouraged to provide feedback regarding any tweaks or changes they want. The directors typically have 2-3 versions of the script before it is finalized. The group will then spend 6-7 weeks practicing their lines and transitions in preparation for the show.

2) Is group collaboration difficult in inclusive theater, and how do you help facilitate that?

Difficulties with group collaboration in inclusive theater are on par with collaboration anywhere more than 2-3 humans are gathered. You have a few performers who are adamantly opinionated on certain characters or ideas, you have a few who roll with whatever is thrown at them, and then some in between. There can certainly be tough moments when there is contention between differing opinions. The group is always encouraged, however, to support one another’s creative ideas and our directors do an excellent job of including as much as they can into the script. Not everyone always gets everything they want but most dreams are realized if possible. The method of taking everyone’s thoughts/ideas and voting on all aspects supports solidifying decisions.

3) What is the goal of the program?

The goal is to provide opportunities for the kids to engage in creative performance. To offer them opportunities to practice something, to use their imaginations, and to step out of their comfort zones to perform on stage in front of an audience. We also encourage having lots of fun together!

4) Why is it important for people with special needs to have their own voice? How does this differ from traditional theater programs?

It is important that our individuals have their own voice because every person has their own story, their own history, their own talents and struggles. This demographic can often experience choices in their own lives being made for them, without them. It is a massive misconception that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are incapable of making their own choices and leading their own lives. It is arguably our biggest goal at Imagine! to encourage the individuals we serve to not only find their own voice but to use it.

Additionally, from a historical perspective, there was time in our not-too-distant past when people with IDD were literally hidden away from their communities and locked in institutions. While those days are thankfully mostly behind us, we still have a long way to go before society fully accepts our fellow citizens with IDD. By showing their creativity and artistry through Center Stage, participants are saying loudly that they too matter, and can positively contribute to the cultural make up of a community if given the chance. And if the community helps facilitate those contributions, even better, which is why we thank Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC) for their generous support of this production.

5) Tell me about this play, specifically. What is the plot? What happens in the story?

The show the performers selected is directly inspired by the movie Inside Out. However, it takes place in space and so the title is “Inside Outer Space” – a Cosmic Adventure of Our Emotions. There are 4 planets (Joy, Anger, Sadness, and Silliness), and within each planet is a family that encapsulates that emotion. 1-2 characters from each family set off on a Rocketship to visit the other emotion planets. They learn about new emotions through dance (Joy), a rock band (Anger), a song (sadness), and a comedy hour (Silliness).

6) Do the kids enjoy being on stage? How has the experience been for the participants? What supports are required?

As with most groups there is a blend of emotions when it comes to being on stage. We have a few performers who absolutely adore the limelight and would likely do a performance all by themselves every single day for an audience who would listen. We also have performers who enjoy it but are a bit more nervous and hesitant. They will need some extra encouragement and opportunities to get pumped up when the time comes. We also have a couple performers who may not make it up on stage when the time comes.

In my observations the group loves these rehearsals. The directors make it fun and engaging. The performers who adore the stage most also bring a great energy that the group thrives on.

Supports certainly vary. We have some individuals that are completely independent when it comes to performing and others that will receive direct supports with their lines or movements during the production. We have a couple of individuals who will utilize their communication devices during the show.