Special Gifts program combines therapy, performance art
By KImberly Fornek kfornek@pioneerlocal.com February 7, 2012 4:18PM
Peer Buddy Talia Just helped Zoe Soderblom play Dorothy in the Special Gifts Theatre's presentation of "The Wizard of Neverland" Both are from Northbrook. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:11AM
Dorothy met Captain Hook in an original tale created by the children in the creative drama program of Special Gifts Theater. In four months, children age 7 to 9 with special needs, learned how to create characters, write lines, sing and act on stage in the creative drama class.
The result was “The Wizard of Neverland,” performed by eight children with special needs and their eight peer buddies, in the auditorium at Crow Island School Saturday morning.
The class for children who have cognitive, physical or social disabilities, started in October. The class met for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes every week.
“We work with them for the first month or two to see what their abilities are, as far as speech goes, and how long they can stand. Some kids may be in wheelchairs,” said Ann Fulmer, director of operations for Special Gifts Theatre. The children get experience performing stories in the classroom. “Then we come up with our own show. The kids and staff write the lines,” Fulmer said.
The staff at Special Gifts includes special education teachers, physical and occupational therapists and choreographers. Together, they introduce the children to drama and performing. “They are getting therapy without knowing it,” Fulmer said.
It’s also the children’s chance to be in the spotlight.
“Some of them will sing for the first time, Fulmer said. “When they get applause for saying their lines, it’s touching.”
Special Gifts Theatre also has a musical theater program for people, age 10 to 21, with disabilities. The older group meets once a week for seven months from September to their March production.
Fifty performers and their 50 non-disabled mentors will perform Grease, Jr. at 2 p.m. March 3, 4, 10 and 11 in Skokie School. Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door for both adults and children. All are welcome.
The cost to participate in the musical theatre program is $1,200 per student, which includes costumes, materials and more than 40 hours of therapy over seven months, Fulmer said. Volunteers are charged $250 for their costumes.
Students, age 7 to 9, in the creative drama program pay $850 for the four-month class. Their peer buddies pay $50 for costumes and props.
For more information abut Special Gifts Theatre or to order tickets for Grease, Jr., telephone (847) 564-7704 or look at the website, www.specialgiftstheatre.org.
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