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Scrooge the multi-sensory experience
In December 2012, our centre had the pleasure of presenting parents and guests with a spectacular performance which showcased the hard work and dedication of the staff and the students in the form of a musical, Scrooge.
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The aim of the musical was to give the students the possibility of participating in an activity which would otherwise have been inaccessible to them. Through the use of switches, VOCA (Voice Output Communication Aids) and other sensorial equipment Charles Dickens’ popular story, A Christmas Carol, was brought to life on our stage. Preparation was underway immediately after the week of activities held to commemorate the Centre’s 20th anniversary with the story being presented to the students as part of the daily classroom thematic activity so that they could understand what the performance was about.
All the students had parts in the performance, some even participating in dialogue through communication devices and others having spoken parts. Period costumes kindly sponsored by the Manoel Theatre together with stage lights sponsored by Transient helped make for a very professional presentation which was more tangible to our students. The drama was further enhanced by special effects and well-crafted props created by the staff and the students as part of their group activities as well as beautifully choreographed wheelchair dances. Needless to say the main characters were brought to life by some very capable acting by members of staff who thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share the stage with the students and help them participate fully in the experience. One cannot but mention the excellent work carried out by the stage crew who had their work cut out for them with no less than fifteen different scenes, six different sets and stacks of props for which there seemed to be no space in the wings!!
The team work and immense effort put in by staff and students alike was evident to all those who attended the two performances held and the appreciative applause and praises at the end were truly well-deserved. However the greatest satisfaction for everyone was the joy of the students which was evident throughout the performance as all present could see the smiles on their faces and eagerness to do their bit.
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