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:
Mondays | 4:30–6:30 pm
Red Carpet & Premiere: August
Schedule Overview:
Rehearsals 1–2: Explore different film genres and previous short films. Discuss plot, characters, and themes. Read over the script, revise, and give feedback.
Rehearsals 3–9: Film and review dailies.
Session 10: Debrief on filming process and rehearse for talk-back at the premiere.
Then, film premiere!