Students at Wahconah High School explore instruments from CATA’s Annual Performance, while Sandra and Beth share dance steps from the show

On a recent morning at Wahconah High School, Sam, a student in the special education program, plays an original melody on a tongue drum. At the front of the classroom, CATA artist Sandra Caicedo and CATA Resident Dance Faculty Beth Liebowitz improvise a graceful duet to Sam’s tune. Sam grins with pride when he strikes his final note, and the whole class erupts in applause. “Who else wants to try drumming or dancing with us?” Beth asks. Everyone eagerly sends a hand into the air!

Sandra and Beth, who is also associate director of CATA’s Annual Performance, are visiting Wachonah as part of an interactive pre-show tour, offering local students a behind-the-scenes look at the choreography, music, costumes, props, and theatrical design that go into the Annual Performance. Soon, Sam and 200 other students across the Berkshires will attend CATA’s Dress Rehearsal — a free, VIP performance just for them — where CATA artists get to practice in front of a live audience, and local students learn about disability and the power of inclusion.

“This is a highlight of the year for so many students,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “CATA invites all the special education students we work with year round to participate, as well as the entire sixth grade at W.E.B. Du Bois Middle School. Teens in special education programs get to see people like themselves taking center stage, while those in traditional classrooms get to learn about the talents of people with disabilities. It’s a powerful experience for any student who may never have seen a person with a disability on stage.”

“CATA’s strategic plan is grounded in direct feedback from our community,” adds Margaret. “Our school partners have been asking for more CATA programs for students in special education programs, and meeting that need is at the heart of our strategic plans. This year, we’re thrilled that CATA’s innovative programming will engage more than 400 local students with disabilities. The Dress Rehearsal has become a meaningful tradition within this growing partnership.”

Students at Du Bois Middle School learn from CATA artists and explore props from the Annual Performance

When CATA actor Dan Waite joins Beth for a visit to Du Bois, the sixth graders are bursting with questions: How do you prepare to go on stage? What are rehearsals like? What does it feel like to perform in front of such a huge crowd?  “When the audience applauds,” Dan tells them, “It’s the ultimate confidence boost!”

Dan explains that the theme of the show is “Kaleidoscope” and Beth hands out different styles of kaleidoscopes for the students to explore. She holds up a colorful, shape-shifting gizmo: “For anyone who is blind or has low vision,” she explains, “this is a kaleidoscope you can feel.”

“This partnership with CATA is so important to us,” says Kim Cormier, Language Arts teacher at Du Bois. “CATA performers help our sixth graders learn real-world lessons in empathy and respect, and about challenging stereotypes. Those lessons have carried over into the classroom. We’ve noticed a dramatic increase in acts of compassion, acceptance, and inclusivity and a noticeable decrease in bullying behavior.”

Students in the special education program at Nessacus Middle School meet cast members in CATA’s Annual Performance and explore a tactile model of the set

In a special education classroom at Nessacus Middle School, Beth and Sandra share a tactile scale model of the stage where CATA’s performance will take place. Students experiment with designing their own sets using tiny furniture and bright pieces of fabric. 

Sandra demonstrates choreography from the show and students join in to learn the steps. “Let’s try adding music and rhythm to our dancing,” says Beth, and Sandra makes sure everyone gets their own egg shaker. One student volunteers to be the director, calling out “Action!”, and soon even the shyest students are enthusiastically playing a part in the performance.

“Now you know what to expect at CATA’s Performance in May!” Beth tells the class. “You’ll recognize me and Sandra on stage and you’ll remember the music and movement we made here together today!”

Through CATA’s Dress Rehearsal program, everyone benefits. CATA artists serve as community leaders, students with special needs get to imagine possibilities for who they might become as adults, and students in traditional classrooms experience personal growth and expanded perspectives. One middle school student reflected on the impact of meeting visiting CATA artists and learning about their experiences as performers: “I felt an immediate connection,” he said. “I felt like I could smile so hard my smile would fly away. I saw that we were all the same. We’re all human beings trying to live our best lives. I want more kids to have that experience.”

Thank you to our generous donors like Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for making CATA’s innovative programs possible. Want to make a real difference in your community? Give today!

Don’t miss out on your chance to see the CATA Annual Performance on May 10 at Shakespeare & Company. Click here to purchase tickets for the Sunday Matinee!

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