The Ravenswood Players are a delightful performance ensemble of adults with developmental disabilities. Their three month process culminates in an original public performance at the Ravenswood Presbyterian Church. The workshop is led by Still Point facilitator Laura Callahan-Hazard. She approaches each session with the intention of helping participants to develop new theatre skills, while creating engaging scenes and skits along the way.
Laura recalls that the current group started meeting in January, when Chicago was in the throes of the Polar vortex, and a truly challenging winter. The group knew that their performance would take place in the spring, and the participants agreed that spring-time itself seemed like a wonderful subject to focus on in their sessions. Laura focused on the concept of using words as tools of the theatre, and began working with poems that were eventually acted out in various ways. Then the group moved on to writing their own poems, some of which are used in the performance. Sunshine, the life cycle of flower bulbs, and April Fool’s Day are just some of the springy subjects explored in the piece!
Laura has enjoyed watching the participants “blossom” during the process of creating the performance. She recalls how a new member, Jennifer, has overcome shyness to learn how to connect with other actors, and developed the skills to listen and respond to them in new ways. She also applauds the work of Jimmy, who has stepped into the role of peer leader in the group, inspiring and encouraging others with his own enthusiasm for being on stage.
CELEBRATE SPRING is happening Wednesday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m.! It’s free and open to the public at Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, 4300 N. Hermitage. After the show, audience members will be able to purchase hand-painted flower pots to benefit Still Point Theatre Collective. Chicago area friends are encouraged to attend and join the fun – after the past winter, I think we are ALL ready to celebrate spring!
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