Katherine and Sandra choreograph a duet with the CATA Groove Collective
On May 10th and 11th, CATA dancers, actors, singers, drummers, and jugglers will light up the stage at Shakespeare & Company, sharing their artistry with the public. If you’ve been to the CATA Annual Performance, you know the talent on stage is extraordinary. But the creativity doesn’t end there! This year, artists with disabilities are also busy behind the scenes, shaping every element of the show. From set and costume design to music, sound, and lighting, CATA artists co-create it all.
“Not only are CATA artists choreographing dances, composing original music, and choosing Shakespeare scenes to perform,” says Kelly Galvin, CATA Program Director and director of the annual performance, “they are also taking on key technical and production roles—like costume designer, sound board operator, and assistant to the director—that bring the show to life. Everything you’ll see and hear has been shaped by the talents of more than 100 CATA artists from across the Berkshires.”
CATA artists in our Shakespeare’s Players ensemble selected their characters and scenes
“A key part of our Strategic Plan is developing new programs for CATA artists to step into leadership roles, pursue their creative vision, and assume more public-facing positions in the arts,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “We’re launching innovative pilot programs where CATA artists are learning new skills and bringing their individual voices and ideas to shape our Annual Performance. Audiences will experience a show like no other, totally infused with the creative vision of CATA artists!”
CATA Artists Design the Set, Costumes, Lighting, and Sound
In our new “Costumes & Props” workshop, CATA artists Sam, Joey, and Asa are crafting eye-catching costumes and set pieces using bright paints and handmade stamps. The theme this year is “Kaleidocope,” and together with CATA Resident Faculty Adam Gudeon and CATA’s scenic consultant Marcus Kearns, the CATA designers reflect on the visual mood they want to evoke on stage, and how different colors might make the audience feel.
CATA artists are designing the costumes and set for our Annual Performance
In “Curtains Up,” a new workshop exploring technical theater roles, CATA Resident Faculty Caroline Calkins mentors CATA artists about their important roles as technical theatrical assistants. Faye and Connor chose their roles as sound and light board operators after in-depth discussions about their interests. As they count down to opening night, Connor and Faye practice taking cues from a stage manager like they’ll do during the show.
“I’m excited to be in the booth,” says Faye. “It’s magical making different patterns with lights.”
CATA artists in our “Curtains Up” workshop learn from scenic consultant Marcus Kearns about sound, lighting, and other backstage roles
Faye designed the lighting cues for CATA’s performance. “It’s magical making different patterns with lights.”
The group discusses how fabric designed in the Costume & Props workshop will fit over colored light boxes on stage to create kaleidoscopic patterns during the show.
“Don’t forget that everything has to be fireproof!” says CATA artist Eric, who is taking on a new role as assistant to the director this year. “I have to think about the logistics, like the order of the pieces and quick costume changes that some of the performers might have—I don’t want Samantha to come out on stage as Cleopatra still wearing her tap shoes!”
Marcus and Eric discuss how CATA artists design lighting cues to change the mood on stage.
“CATA’s new model of hiring full-time Resident Faculty who can provide dedicated mentorship has dramatically increased our capacity to invest in the needs and interests of CATA artists,” says Kelly. “We’ve created fun and tailored programs that allow the artists to choose their roles, discover new passions, and really take pride in their essential contributions to the show. When you hear a sound during the performance, it’s because of Connor!”
Connor chose and designed all of the sound cues— and he’ll be calling all the cues in the sound booth during the show.
CATA Artists Take On Roles as Camera Operators
Over at the CTSB-TV studios in Lee, CATA artists in our “Through the Lens” photography workshop learn to use video equipment to film and edit the Annual Performance. Alejandro and Helen role-play a talk show on the sound stage so that camera operators Joe and Sami can practice framing the perfect shot. Erica Spizz, Operations Manager at CTSB-TV, demonstrates how to manipulate the camera’s zoom functions and then Joe takes over as cameraman.
“It would be neat to zoom in on the speaker when they’re talking,” says Joe.
“Good instincts!” says Erica.
Ben, Sam, and Hannah sit at the editing bay wearing headphones, adjusting the volume and background effects.
“How does it sound?” Erica asks Sam.
Sam gives a thumbs up. “That’s Helen talking!” he says.
CATA artists learned filmmaking skills in our “Through the Lens” workshop— and they’ll work alongside the CTSB-TV crew to film our Matinee performance.
Across dozens of CATA workshops, artists with disabilities are tapping into their creativity, learning new skills, and gaining confidence as they prepare for CATA’s biggest night of the year! Don’t miss out on your chance to see the CATA Annual Performance on May 11 at Shakespeare & Company. Click here to purchase tickets for the Sunday Matinee!
Thank you to our generous donors who make CATA’s innovative programs possible. Want to make a difference for CATA artists? Give today!
Ali played a role in choreographing a piece in CATA’s Annual Performance. Don’t miss your chance to see the work of CATA artists on stage!
Your support helps to share the talents of CATA artists with our community. Please join us by making a gift today.
