KaCe and the Performing Arts Workshop

The Performing Arts Workshop was started 19 years ago as a summer program for youth interested in music, singing, dance & acting.  Whitney was in the first one and K.C. joined when he was old enough. Now 19 years later her son KaCe was old enough to go. Gary Abbott the main Director has been with PAW since the beginning with only a couple of years hiatus.  He is now teaching offspring of many PAW alumni.    PAW as it is known, brings professionals in theatre, choreography, dance, stage management, costuming, props management and voice from all over the US as well as local professionals.  In the past few years instead of writing their own the professionals have begun to purchase works to perform.  This year was "The King and I".  The final performance are a culmination of 20 days of hard work.  This year was no exceeption.  

KaCe did wonderfully.  He was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder during the school year so Whitney and I took him to Sheridan for Occupational Therpy and a visit with the counselor before it began.  On the first day all pertinent staff were informed of trigger points that might set him off and the proper remedy.  The staff (not their first rodeo) responded accordingly.  I volunteered to do bus duty for any child/youth that needed transportation.  He was mostly in awe of everything that was going on around him - but he didn't freeze onstage - but performed well.

The official group pose at dress rehearsel. 

The King practices with the bull whip before dress rehearsal.

The King ignores the hubbub going on around him.

Accepting the gift of a foreign princess.

The "sons" of the King welcome the new teacher.

Performing for the new teacher.

Imploring the teacher not to leave.

The entire workshop is funded by grants, donations from private and corporate sponsors and tuition. Staff are busy about 18 hours/day so local restaurants/businesses donate food for them.

Our granddaughter Kim has been involved with PAW for many years behind the stage and in the costume room.   She spent many hours finishing this gown.  It was exquisite.  Good job Kim!

A job well done with one more performance Saturday afternoon.