Today, we performed at The Stokes Opportunity Center, a vocational day program for mentally handicapped adults, for around 20 students. It was one of our most unusual performances (very little in the way of props and costumes), and also one of the most playful and spontaneous. Prior to our rendition of Big Shoes, we were treated to some great performances by the students and got to collaborate with then on some short plays. The whole day was great fun, but there were so many layers of meaning under the surface. I think that is true for every interaction we have had with students and teachers this season. Whether or not we are aware in the moment, there is so much more information imparted beyond the words and the actions in Big Shoes or in our lesson plans.
We enter schools as a certain kind of ‘other’ that many students may have not seen in person. As such, we are showing students new possibilities of how to perceive the world, work with others, and explore abilities without fear of negative judgements. I like to imagine that there are a few students at every school we go to that decide to dedicate some part of their lives to the pursuit and enjoyment of the arts, and that all acquire a wider view of the world and all the possibilities in it from having met people who can give a face and a name to the term ‘artist’.
I feel so lucky to have been a part of this cast and playing a part in telling this story. Now it’s off to other projects: writing big band jazz music, practicing for auditions, and building a teaching studio. I’m excited to have the necessary time for these pursuits, but I’ll miss this fantastic cast, the long van rides, the load-in and outs, and the thousands of unforgettable moments in the classroom that make up an Open Dream Ensemble season. Long live the Open Dream Ensemble!
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