SPOTLIGHT ACADEMY OF THE ARTS
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A heartfelt story of how a script, a stage, and a theater program composed of adults with disabilities celebrate their creativity, explore life’s complexities, and empower a community, in their own words and their way.
Spotlight: Musical Theater
September-February
Ages 16+
All abilities welcome
A cast of teens and adults with disabilities gathers to create, rehearse, and perform a completely original musical production. Along with a professional artistic team, the actors will explore themes, characters, and plot sequences they would like to share with the audience.
Weekly Rehearsals:
Saturdays | 9–11 am | HPUMC Mockingbird Campus
Performances:
Mid-February | Saturday & Sunday
Schedule Overview:
Rehearsals 1–3: Develop ideas
Rehearsals 4–8: Try out parts and write the script
Rehearsals 9–11: Work on dances, songs, and scenes
Rehearsals 12–13: Practice Act I and Act II
Rehearsal 14: Christmas Luncheon
Rehearsals 15–20: Run the show
Spotlight: Short Film
March–May
Ages 16+
All abilities welcome
As cast of 16 teens and adults work with a professional artistic team and volunteers to create, shoot, and premiere an original short film.
Weekly Film Sessions:
Saturdays | 10 am–12:30 pm
Performances:
Mid-February | Saturday & Sunday
Schedule Overview:
Rehearsals 1–3: Explore different film genres and previous short films. Discuss plot, characters, and themes. Read over the script, revise, and give feedback.
Rehearsals 4–9: Film and review dailies.
Session 10: Debrief on filming process and rehearse for talk-back at the premiere.
Then, film premiere!
Spotlight: Rock Band
September–October
Ages 16+
All abilities welcome
Tolleson, First Floor
Participants will choose either drums, piano, or guitar and learn basic skills for their instrument of choice. In the second half of the program, the musicians will work together to learn and perform their chosen songs before the final concert. Prior musical instruction and skill are NOT required.
Weekly Rehearsals:
Tuesdays | 2–3:30 pm | Tolleson
Schedule Overview:
Session 1: Introduction to all instruments
Sessions 2–3: Instrument selection and introduction
Sessions 4–6: Instrument lessons
Session 7: Group song selection
Sessions 8–10: Rehearsal
Concert (last week of October)!