Fredericksburg, Va—STEP VA Inc., the local 501(c)3 non-profit that “empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration,” offers experiences for a range of individuals, from age five upward. However, the spring musical can be an intense experience, with weekly two-hour rehearsals, monthly longer rehearsals, lines and choreography to learn, a full tech week and two shows.
To support younger participants and those who are new to the spring musical experience, STEP VA launched the Dr. Seuss class.
Meeting once a week for eight weeks—instead of the 12 week commitment of being in the main cast—and for just an hour instead of two, the Dr. Seuss class will still get a chance to perform on stage, having their own song and dance before the start of the main show.
Micah Moore, who lived in Japan for a time, always enjoyed performing in the end-of-year programs at his school there. His mom enrolled him in the STEP VA Dr. Seuss class, figuring he’d enjoy it and that it would give him the opportunity to make new friends. She was right in both regards, as Moore is excited to have the class added to his weekly routine.
Fitting with STEP VA’s mission, Moore’s mom says it’s clear to her that he enjoys “his teacher and being part of something where he is growing in his independence.”
Vanessa Point wanted to perform on stage like her big sister, prompting her parents to sign her up for the class. While her sister is a member of the chorus, Point “loves to role play in all aspects of life,” and taking the Dr. Seuss class is a start for her, one in which she’s excited to learn to “act and perform on stage,” like her favorite TV and YouTube characters do.
Showing Moore and Point the way through class and the whole STEP VA experience is Kaden Porter. Seussical Jr. is Porter’s second foray into the STEP VA spring musical, having been part of the “mini” cast last year. He donned the Schroeder stripes and enjoyed the experience enough that he returned this year, excited “to sing and dance on stage” again.
The Dr. Seuss class will kick things off at STEP VA’s presentation of Seussical Jr. at Courtland High school on April 13 at 6 p.m., and on April 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.
For more information or to donate to the organization, visit www.stepva.org.
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STEP VA, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides sensory-based theater and arts programs for individuals with disabilities. Its vision is to transform the world by offering each individual the opportunity to flourish in the community.