Walk into the auditorium at State College’s Delta Program on a Saturday morning during spring and fall semesters, and you are likely to find a community theater group like no other rehearsing their favorite songs. Since 2012, the For Good Troupe has paired performers who have Down syndrome with community peers who do not to stage semi-annual productions of musical theater.
The community peers “share the stage, but not the spotlight,” participating in singing and dancing, as well as helping with rehearsals and sets. Practicing beloved songs together provides an important social opportunity, particularly for adults with Down syndrome who are no longer serviced by the public schools. For many of the performers and peers, practice is the highlight of the week.
“I love to sing and dance,” says performer Tanya Roberts. “I like the challenge of learning the words to new music.”
According to Krista Wilkinson, a Penn State professor who studies early communication in learners with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and who founded the For Good Troupe, “Listening carefully to the words of a song, then singing along with the music is not only fun, it helps with speech, voice, breathing, stage poise, and voice projection.”
Diana Baldwin said of her daughter Dayna’s experience, “Dayna can be shy and she is behind in verbal skills. For Good has given her the opportunity to find her voice. She is more confident with her speech. Her car karaoke sessions are awesome!”
Due to the popularity of For Good within the Down syndrome community, Wilkinson expanded the Troupe to include younger performers by creating what is called the “Beginnings Troupe.” In addition to the community peers, adults who have Down syndrome also mentor younger performers who have Down syndrome.
“It can be life-changing to see a person who has Down syndrome perform on stage,” says Heather House, mother of one of the younger performers. “And when you see everyone giving hugs and high fives at the end of a practice, you know the friendships are genuine.”
Tanya and Dayna plan to use the stage skills they have developed when they co-emcee the 2018 Buddy Walk, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Mount Nittany Middle School. When asked how she felt about serving as emcee in front of 400 walkers, Tanya said, “I’m a little bit nervous but very excited.”
To learn more about the For Good Troupe or the upcoming Buddy Walk, visit www.centreregiondownsyndrome.org
