At Backlight Productions, theater and performance arts are used to benefit and enrich the lives of adults with disabilities. As a theater company, they act as a backlight to the performers—putting them in the spotlight—showcasing their “abilities” rather than their “disabilities” while sharing a message of acceptance, understanding and kindness with the entire community.
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Integration
Program Description:
Backlight On-Tour is a theatre troupe comprised of eight actors with special needs who perform an original script that focuses on the power of kindness and the importance of getting to know someone who may at first seem, “different” than you. The On-Tour Show uses the characters from the beloved video game, Super Mario Bros. as a way of delivering this compelling message. Once the show has concluded, students will be introduced to the acting company and (in a talk-back forum) have the opportunity to learn more about these inspiring individuals and in doing so, discover similarities that connect us all.
Program Dates:
01/06/2020-03/31/2020
Program Times: 9:00AM-10:00AM
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Integration
Program Description:
During Backlight on Tour performances and workshops, Student Volunteers from other departments of the school are pre-selected by faculty to help guide Backlight Actors through the course of their show, taking this opportunity to shift the focus from themselves and step into the backlight. Theatre itself, encourages empathy by stepping into the shoes of another person. Backlight, not only encourages empathy, it allows students to put empathy into practice by giving them the opportunity to assist their peers in a creative production.
Program Dates:
01/06/2020-03/31/2020
Program Times:
9:00AM-1:00PM
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Integration
Program Description:
Backlight’s Ensemble Building Workshop takes students and faculty members through a series of theatrical
based exercises that focus on collaboration, partnership, and listening, while also affirming and celebrating the unique creative choices of each individual.
Program Dates:
01/06/2020-03/31/2020
Program Times:
9:00AM-11:00PM
Lesson Plan Example: Download File