More than twenty years ago a child named Elijah Jenson planted the seeds of Theatre Adventure for both his mother, Darlene Jenson, and for me, his teacher, Laura Lawson Tucker. Elijah has disabilities and a larger-than-life spark. He was one of the children in my early childhood program. My burning question was how to help the other children in my group---all of whom were fast-moving, rambunctious, and curious---open themselves to bringing Elijah into their play. I wondered, how does inclusion happen? Darlene had similar questions. She had brought Elijah to many creative programs, and yet, thought that Elijah had yet to experience fully being part of a group.
Elijah showed both of us the way. It all happened quite naturally during our Circle Times together. Acting out stories, either made-up or fairy tales, was a time when everyone was needed. Everyone had a part. Everyone was in the same story.
Voila! Theatre Adventure was born! Thank you, Elijah.
And now, twenty years later and after seventy theater productions, the wheel of creativity continues. Theatre Adventure is a community of story-makers, passionate performers, talented artists, and caring Troupe Members. The theater arts have shown us over and over that expressing oneself through story and imagination in a caring and supportive environment makes possible the phrase, “The sky is the limit!”
Here we go for another twenty years of theater adventures! Thank you for being on the journey with us.
