Theatre. Theatre is a place where one could express themselves freely with no limitations. It isn’t simply an art; it’s another way of communicating. Having this kind of a place is sacred to not only actors and actresses, but to those who are special needs.

Broadway Buddies, a program through Stagecrafters, is a program that showcases students with special needs along with enhancing awareness and embracing diversity. This program pairs each special needs student up with a “buddy” who assists in creative and artistic expression with personal pride to create a showcase at the end of the semester. This program is led from theatre professionals, highly trained, licensed staff, and experienced volunteers.

The benefits of theatre for special needs kids are phenomenal. Theatre doesn’t only help our own coping skills, but it helps tremendously with kids with special needs. Studies show that theatre helps strengthen social and life skills as well as strengthen the bonds of teamwork. These traits are important for these kids to develop and improve upon as they move on through life.

I have had the opportunity of joining the Broadway Buddies staff two years ago as a volunteer. Stagecrafters Community Theatre has been a second family to me for as long as I could remember. Becoming a volunteer for the program has been the most rewarding experience. I walk into class every Sunday with the biggest smile on my face knowing that the room is going to be filled with happiness. I have always loved working with special needs. A warm feeling always rushes over me when I have the opportunity make someone else’s day a little better. When this program was first being introduced, I was already on board. I felt so overjoyed that I now had the opportunity to share my love for the stage with many loving and caring people. Nothing in the world could possibly replace the feeling that I feel when I am on stage with these kids.

This summer I had the privilege to volunteer for the Broadway Buddies summer camp. What makes my day during the duration of the summer camp is when mostly everyone is swimming, there are a few people practicing their dances and songs that they had learned that day. Showing how they rehearse during pool, which is supposed to be their free time, shows how much they really care. The kids engaged in many activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, a visit from a therapy dog, and of course, performing a show at the end of the week. The kids put their heart and soul into the show.

On stage this past summer, the buddies had their final performance at the end of the camp week. When all of the buddies stepped up to the mic to introduce themselves, it brought a smile to my face. At the beginning of the week, it was difficult to get some of the kids to speak even one word. Those people stepped up to the mic without hesitation and spoke with such great confidence. This week had probably changed their lives and gave them more love for the theatre than they have ever known. At the end of the show, the director of Broadway Buddies gave the kids the option to say thank you or to say something about their favorite part of camp. One of the buddies walked up to the mic and told the audience how much Broadway Buddies had changed his life and that he didn’t have many friends until this program. His words brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t see a dry eye in the crowd that day. His words really hit home for everyone. A small act of kindness towards others definitely goes the distance. I want to make a difference for others. Knowing that other people are happy makes me happy.
I never thought in my wildest dream that a program such as Broadway Buddies would have had such an impact on my life. I have created so many new relationships with the buddies through the process. I feel so fortunate that I get to share my Sunday afternoons as well as a week in the summer with these special kids. This program takes theatre to a whole new level and the passion that is shown through the kids is just amazing. Stagecrafters is truly the definition of family.