Fredericksburg, Virginia—“Finding Nemo Jr.,” like many Disney shows, contains a subplot that focuses on friendship and that emphasis, among other aspects of the show, made it an easy choice for STEP VA's spring musical this year. STEP VA Inc., the local 501(c)3 nonprofit that “empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration,” not only provides opportunities for its participants—both onstage and off—but it also fosters friendships across lots of different lines.
Two of those friends are Charlie and Xavior, both of whom have returned to STEP VA this year for the spring musical. For Charlie, who is in his second year on the tech crew, the friendships he's made are biggest draw of the program.
“Being with old friends and not having to act in front of everyone,” are what brings him back to the tech crew, he said, adding that “working on tech stuff with friends,” is his favorite aspect of working backstage.
That says a lot, considering he knows what to expect from most of the classes that make up the tech crew experience. He knows what it takes to make the magic happen, and how much work it takes—which is what he finds the most challenging: weekly tech sessions after a full day of school.
“Working for two hours each time,” is the hardest part of being on tech crew, he said. “It's a long time!”
Xavior concurs. It's his first year on the tech crew, and he's found it challenging.
“It is hard work!” he said. “It’s fun, but it’s hard work.”
Xavior is no stranger to STEP VA. He's been involved with the summer camp sessions for several years and last year joined the cast in the spring musical. Being part of such a big production is drastically different from summer session, though, so he opted to try the other side of the curtain this year.
“I was so nervous on stage for Seussical Jr, but I had fun and I still wanted to participate with STEP VA. It’s fun to work with everyone,” he said.
Working as a team, the tech crew is literally setting the stage for another impressive STEP VA spring musical.
“We work hard on stuff so they can enjoy the story more,” Charlie said when asked what he wanted the audience to know about the tech crew.
Come see their hard work and enjoy the show, April 12th-13th 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.