'Berg student helps uplift the arts for persons with disabilities

The arts are often underrepresented for persons with disabilities. But a collaboration between Heidelberg’s School of Music & Theatre and the Seneca County Opportunity Center is doing its part to change that.

On Saturday, April 27, ’Berg theatre students, led by junior Riley Ameel, who have partnered with students from the Opportunity Center will to stage “A Barnyard Moosical” in Ohl Concert Hall. This unique partnership allows individuals with disabilities to take the stage and perform in front of an audience. Throughout the semester, theatre students have conducted twice-weekly workshops and rehearsals at the Opportunity Center in preparation for the performance.

Riley, a theatre major with a business minor, is co-directing the production along with Sandy Kimmel, the Music and Movement instructor at the Opportunity Center. Riley took on the role of co-director as a student research project. She participated in a previous Heidelberg-Opportunity collaboration as a freshman, and she was hooked.

“That was when I fell in love with teaching and the Opportunity,” Riley says. “Meeting with them quickly became my favorite part of the week.”

As part of co-directing, Riley also took on the role of choreographer, dance instructor and production. With Sandy’s guidance, she designed costumes and gathered supplies. Back on campus, she worked with Dr. Carol Dusdieker, her faculty mentor on her project, and Sue Hlavinka to make selections for sets, props and costumes.

But it’s been her interactions with the Opportunity Center students that have been most impactful.

“Working with the students, seeing their growth in confidence and skill, honestly makes my day,” Riley says. “I look forward to every time I get to work with them.”

The process hasn’t been without its minor challenges, though, primary among them is “not having enough bodies to give attention all around,” according to Riley. “I believe it’s important for the younger classes to have a few helpers so the students can be more one-on-one. I brought in a few amazing Heidelberg students to help me and they have made a world of difference,” she says.

What to expect from ‘A Barnyard Moosical’

The show features four funny animals dancing and singing about their unusual farm. The chickens sure can shake a leg, the pigs love to clean, the cows dance an awesome chorus line, and the goats cook up a tasty gourmet pizza. In addition to the toe-tapping music, audiences will be treated to a preview of the process of producing the musical.

Riley describes the Opportunity Center students' roles as actors. Two or more classes are assigned to a farm animal, where, when they perform, they will be the stars. Each student will perform in three numbers, two group numbers and one song featuring their animal.

During the songs, they will showcase their singing, dancing and acting skills,” Riley explains. “They also have helped out in designing their costumes and set pieces.”

Following the play, there will be an opportunity for photos along with a chance to recognize all of the student artwork from the past few months.

All in all, “A Barnyard Moosical” has been a collaboration in the truest sense. It has allowed the students to be stars and showcase their talents while being part of a quality production with skills taught to them by Heidelberg students.

“Each student gets to experience the spotlight in a supportive environment that sets them up for success,” Riley says.

What’s ahead for Riley

Her experience has helped lay the foundation as she prepares for her dream job of becoming a high school drama teacher, reinforcing her personal philosophy that “arts are for everybody.”

“In my teaching career, I want to get as many students involved in theatre so they can express themselves and push themselves. Working with the Opportunity Center has taught me how to push and support students at the same time.”

Tickets for “A Barnyard Moosical” are $5 for general admission and free for youth, and can be reserved at www.gundlachtheatre.org.