Fredericksburg, Virginia—STEP VA Inc., the local 501(c)3 nonprofit that “empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration,” is bringing Disney's “Finding Nemo, Jr.” to the stage this spring. While the cast will tell the story, the tech crew is working hard to make sure there's more to the “Big, Blue World” for them to get lost in.
After two years of treading the boards as a member of the STEP VA Spring Musical cast, Josie Blunkosky stepped back this year to work on the tech crew. The decision to do so, she explains, was spurred for her “love to try something new.”
And there are plenty of new experiences on the tech crew.
“Creating sets is challenging,” she said, though with just a month of tech crew sessions under her belt, it's been the source of her favorite thing they've done so far.
“My favorite part is building sets. I like the architecture/structure, design, and how to build it. I really like papier-mâché-ing and hot gluing,” she explained, making her the first on the tech crew to admit to enjoying the sticky stuff.
Joshua Ward is less inclined to name set building and all that it entails as enjoyable. For him, “creating equipment and props for the show,” has been one of the more challenging aspects of being on the tech crew.
He, like Carson Baiz, finds painting some of the more delicate pieces a difficult task.
However, Ward is looking forward to learning how to run lights. He's also enjoying being a member of the Marketing Committee, a new opportunity for STEP VA participants.
As part of the marketing committee, Ward has been conducting interviews of cast members and photographing rehearsals. He's especially enjoyed the latter.
“Being the photographer has been the best part,” he says.
Working on the tech crew and being part of the STEP VA Spring Musical experience is new for Ward, who has been active in the organization's summer programming off and on for a number of years, and frequently participates in the Self Advocacy and Social Skills (SASS) class in the fall. So far he's not sure what he wants the audience to take away from their work, but Blunkosky, who has now been on both sides of the curtain, knows exactly what she wants people to see.
“I'm excited to have our artwork come to life for the audience,” she said.
Blunkosky and Ward would love to have you see their hard work come to life at Courtland High School, April 13-14. 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.