Fredericksburg, Virginia—There's a lot of fish in the sea and there will be at least eight of them as the fish friends when STEP VA, Inc., the local 501(c)3 non-profit that empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration, stages its performance of Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.” in April.
Three of those fish friends will be played by Myrdin Coleman, Vanessa Point, and Nasia W. Coleman joins the cast of the STEP VA spring musical for the first time this year, but a member of this year's All Abilities Choir, she's not a stranger to the organization. She's also not a stranger to performing, participating in the Darby's Dancers program through Fredericksburg Ballet Center. The dance training helps but Coleman said the choreography for the musical can be challenging.
“When I'm spinning too hard, [it makes] me dizzy,” she explained.
A fan of the “Finding Nemo” story, Coleman is having fun with her new friends, be they fish or foe.
“Dancing and singing,” are her favorite parts of rehearsal, but the whole experience has been a positive one for her so far. “I'm so happy. I love it!”
With the weekly rehearsals going so well, Coleman is looking forward to the show itself.
“I get to be on stage,” she said, adding that she's looking forward to singing and dancing, and having her family watch from the audience. “I'm so excited!”
Point is also looking forward to performing for her family as she makes the jump to the “big stage” this year. Like Noah Gentry, Point was in the Dr. Seuss class last year, learning the ropes of musical theater. This year, she's getting a refresher course through the pre-musical cast and taking that confidence with her into the chorus of the main cast as well.
Dancing is her favorite part of being involved in the musical, even though she also finds it challenging, sometimes.
Though Point is particularly excited for performing in the show—especially in front of her parents, two siblings, and two aunts (Aunt Amber and Aunt Becky)--the process of making a musical is the best part.
“I like seeing my friends,” she said.
One of those new friends is Nasia W., who, like Point, is mastering the basics as part of the pre-musical class, but also ready to shake a fin with the rest of the fish cast. For the two, who are some of the youngest in the cast, participating in both the class and the cast is a way to make the transition to the full cast a little easier. That reasoning seems to be working well.
When asked if she enjoyed going to rehearsal each week Nasia enthusiastically responded “YES!” And when asked if she found anything to be particularly difficult she immediately responded no, she did not!”
Nasia is new to STEP VA, but is quickly learning what others love about the organization is also what she enjoys the most about the weekly gatherings: meeting new people, making friends and listening to music.
As for the show itself, Nasia can't wait—she's excited to be on stage!
Come see Myrdin, Vanessa, and Nasia captivate on stage, April 12-13 at Courtland High School. Tickets go on sale March 1.
For more information or to donate to STEP VA, 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.