Last night, the Hopkinton Unified Arts Theatre Program put on another outstanding show. More than 20 performers with disabilities took the stage, supported by 10 dedicated volunteers who helped bring out the very best in them. Dressed in red, white, pink, and black, they performed around the theme Put a Little Love in your heart.- https://www.hopartscenter.org/adaptivearts
One of the songs performed was This Is Where I Belong, and as I sat in the audience, I thought it was the perfect title for this blog.
The program is directed by Libby Litt, who has been leading Unified Theatre for many years. We learned about the program last year and joined the session that began in October. After just a few weeks of practice, the group presented its first show in December. Anand quickly discovered that he did not feel comfortable being a performer. Singing and dancing on stage were not for him. But he found his own place in the program—as an Associate Director. He happily helped Libby with backstage preparation, administrative tasks, and anything else that needed to be done. He is incredibly proud of his title and takes his responsibilities very seriously.
After a short break, the next session began in March, and last night was the first show of the season. Anand could hardly wait. Not because he wanted to perform, but because he wanted to be there, helping, organizing, and being Libby's right hand. I am not sure what he loves more—the Unified Theatre program or Libby herself.
But this story is not really about Anand.
It is about every young person who stood on that stage Last night.
They learned the lyrics. They practiced the songs. They worked together as a team. When the music started, they gave it their all. The audience cheered them on every step of the way.
They looked beautiful, dressed up for their special night. They were smiling, shining, and enjoying every moment. what touched me most was that every single one of them looked happy to be there. They belonged.
A tremendous amount of credit goes to Libby and the volunteers. From selecting songs to rehearsals, from backstage support to helping performers feel confident on stage, they created an environment where everyone could succeed. Their patience, encouragement, and dedication made the evening possible.
As a parent, I cannot express how grateful I am. Whether a child is singing, dancing, helping backstage, or serving as an Associate Director, programs like this give our kids something priceless—a place where they are accepted, valued, and celebrated.
Tonight, as I watched Anand enjoying himself and watched all the performers shine, one thought stayed with me:
This is where they belong.
No comments:
Post a Comment