Dr. Seuss characters sprang to life in June at Red Mountain High School, sharing the message that anything is possible in an adaptive Off-Broadway production of Seussical KIDS.
Matt Erickson, Red Mountain High School drama teacher, and his wife, Ani, a fifth-grade teacher at Sousa Elementary School, teamed up with the City of Mesa to host an inclusive theater program. The program paired individuals with intellectual disabilities with Red Mountain High theater students to perform the musical extravaganza.
“Getting your kids involved with theater is just like signing them up for little league,” Matt said. “Not every child who plays baseball is going to grow up to become a professional baseball player, but they will always remember the skills they learned being a part of a team. Dramatic arts builds confidence and teaches individuals to be better communicators.”
The drama teacher said they are rapidly building their adaptive program with incredible support from administrators, staff, students and families. An important piece is ensuring the community is aware this opportunity is available for all to participate.
“We don’t set limitations, we set expectations,” Matt explained. “Individuals with intellectual disabilities are capable of achieving so much. They just need the opportunity to shine.”
Anything is possible
Julianna Good is a 2017 graduate from Red Mountain High School who volunteered her time to participate in the program. As a shadow, she partnered with Rachel, the sour kangaroo, giving her cues, feeding lines and stage blocking.
“Rachel has worked hard,” Julianna said. “It’s amazing to watch how much our actors grow in a short period of time.”
The Red Mountain High graduate is off to the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study music education with a special education concentration. She says this experience is one she will always treasure.
Learn more about adaptive leisure opportunities at mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/parks-recreation-commercial-facilities/sports-programs/adaptive-leisure.