My autism support/outreach/networking group tried something new this year. A couple of our Board members had taken a little 3-day cruise to Mexico through a terrific organization called Autism on the Seas. The ship has specially trained staff, activities, and understanding for people on the autism spectrum and their special needs. I will certainly post more on this later, as we are ready to set sail on one of these amazing voyages ourselves this summer. (And, by "ourselves" I mean the four of us plus 10 members of our extended family and six other families from our group!) Anyway, one of the activities on the cruise was a talent show, and the kids could showcase any talent from "talking like an alien" to being "the world's loudest burper." How fun, thought Mrs. B., to do something like this with our group back home?? We'll let the kids get up there and do their thing, and we can display their visual arts, too, be it a picture they've drawn or painted or a LEGO sculpture they are proud of!
It became so much more than that! We met an amazing group of High School students and their fearless leader, A.D., the choir director. They put in countless hours of rehearsing, choreographing, mentoring, including, and loving these kids. A.D. and her student president, J.L. produced an exceptional, tear-jerking show for our community, bringing out the best of every performer and visual artist, and giving them their Time to Shine.
There were a few stand-up comedians, and comedy routines like Abbott and Costello's Who's on First?
There were some beautiful soloists, wow-ing us with some Disney favorites, popular tunes, and even a love song in Italian!
The choir choreographed group acts for those who might not want to get on stage alone.
The Jedis and Sith battled it out to song in "Duel of the Fates".
And got funky in a Hip Hop routine.
That's J-Girl striking a pose in the turquoise shirt. Another great part of this endeavor was that siblings could be involved, too. So often they are dragged along to this therapy or that; Time to Shine gave them an opportunity to be in an activity with their brother or sister, doing something fun and meant for both of them! (Not that you could tell from the photo, but there are some girls with autism on that stage!)
J-Boy was not too hip about getting on stage in the beginning of this process. He agreed, reluctantly, to work on a video entry with one of his therapists. J-Girl and I helped a bit, too, but J-Boy wrote the script, created the backgrounds, and worked with me to edit it together.
And THEN he got bit by the acting bug! He performed in the Star Wars number, did a one-man skit called "Pay the Rent", did some "Doctor, Doctor" jokes with his buddy T.
Patient: Doctor, Doctor! My sister thinks she's a duck!
Doctor: Well, why don't you bring her in here and I'll have a look at her.
Patient: I can't! She's already flown South for the Winter!
Ba-dum, dum!! (Yes, there was a live drummer!)
The biggest, winning-est feeling of success came this morning, however. I told the kids that I know it's a little early to be thinking about it, but will they be looking forward to participating in "Time to Shine" next year? J-Boy looked at me with wide eyes and dropped-open mouth, "You mean, there's going to be one next year?!" And he skipped across the room to give me the BIGGEST hug! I'm still shining from this amazing experience!
Pop Pop and I loved the video J-Boy created, and loved being able to see the Scaan Talent Show. What a wonderful event, and two talented kids! love & kises, Nonnie & Pop Pop
Posted by: Nonnie | May 23, 2009 at 01:51 PM
How awesome! I'm so sorry we had to miss it. Such a talented duo you have.
Posted by: Alisa | May 25, 2009 at 07:56 AM