For the past few years, Glen Rock High School has hosted the Sharing the Arts program through the community school. It was first directed by Ms. Brown, a retired dance teacher. Then passed down to Mrs. Jenna Cozzarelli, art teacher, and Ms. Anna Lilikas, choir teacher and GR theater company director.
This year’s performance is being held on May 7th in the cafeteria. Tables and chairs are set up for families to come and watch the dress rehearsal and final performance.
The goal of Sharing the Arts is to give special needs community members the opportunity to learn theater and perform in a safe and comfortable space. “The arts are for everyone no matter who you are,” said Lilikas passionately. From observing her work with the program it is clear the care she has for it and the kids participating.
Key elements of the program include creating a scenery backdrop: for this year’s production of Lion King some helpers hand-painted the image of “Pride Rock”. Additionally, parents plan and create the costumes.
Even with the outside help, the 10-week process of putting together a show falls mainly on two upperclassmen that Lilikas selects. This year, junior Vivaan Motwani and senior Cameron Chiappetta are in charge. They were chosen from a returning group of students who have participated in Sharing the Arts previously. They have some knowledge on how the process works but it is still different when everything is put on them. “It definitely takes a lot but I’m glad we get to do it for the kids,” Motwani explained happily.
The two students are tasked with picking a show, routinely a Disney musical, which they then find and rewrite a script to accommodate the year’s performers. They also put together a rehearsal schedule and choreograph simple dance routines, all under Lilikas’ guidance. The end result is a fun show and the excitement the children have when getting to participate in theater. “Sharing the arts is a great experience for everyone involved and I’m happy for it to continue to grow.”
