Abbie's Helping Hands Takes The Stage

I am still making blankets and blessing bags but I wanted to share with you another activity I have been involved in that benefits young people in our community. It doesn't involve either of those things, instead, it helps young people who have different abilities perform in the theater.

The first musical I was ever in was “Shrek: The Musical Jr.”, and I was the Mad Hatter. Now, almost 7 years later, and as a Senior in high school, I get to do the show again, but this time in a very unique role. The “Access the Arts for All Abilities” program at STAGES Performing Arts Academy is letting me volunteer as a student assistant with young people (the program serves people from kids up to young adults) who have special abilities to put on their FIRST EVER full production! I’m also excited to say that they are letting me be in the show, so I will be playing Mama Ogre, Mama Bear, and Young Princess Fiona!! A few years ago I was able to do something a little similar as an ensemble cast member in Variety St. Louis' productions of Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast, where professional musical theater performers work kids with special needs into full-scale professional productions, and I was honored to partner up with, be assigned to help, and perform alongside those amazing kids over all of the long, challenging rehearsals and performances. I’ve been having so much fun getting to be with the cast the past several weeks and I’ve loved watching them perform, this time as a teaching assistant, and build and reinforce their confidence and positive self-image.

Theater is for EVERYONE and that’s why I’m going to study it in college and pursue a career in Musical Theater. Even though this isn’t making blankets or blessing bags, I’m so proud to be able to be helping kids in this special way.