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Unified Theater show highlights performers with disabilities

The Hopkinton Center of the Arts is hosting the Unified Theater’s production of “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” from June 19-20. PHOTO/HCA

Unified Theater, a group of performers with disabilities, will perform “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” on June 19-20 at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Libby Lit, the HCA’s director of adaptive arts, shared her passion for creating an avenue for self-expression for the disability community while welcoming all.

“What makes these performances so meaningful is not just the show itself, but the joy and pride that come with it,” said Lit. “Nothing beats the excitement and joy you feel when watching these students stand in their light.”

She added that each performance includes sensory warnings, break rooms and hearing protection equipment. Lit consulted with a panel of people with disabilities to design an environment that “makes the theater experience comfortable for all.”

Lit noted that the student-led production features people of all abilities ranging in age from 15-40. It also includes contributions from participants at the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, which serves the disability community.

“Since the show is about love and love songs, I asked individuals at the Respite Center what loves means to them,” Lit shared. “They gave some of the most beautiful, profound answers.”

Lit created Unified Theater in 2022 in Milford while she was studying for her master’s degree in theatre education and applied theatre at Emerson College. Lit’s initial capstone project plan was to create a documentary theater piece about people with disabilities. Her professors allowed her to use her Unified Theater experience instead. At the time, she worked with Milford public school students.

In 2025, she was working at Hopkinton High School as a paraprofessional and behavioral interventionist when HCA executive director Kelly Grill approached her. Grill was starting an adaptive theater department and knew about Lit’s experience. She created the full-time position for Lit, and she started in January.

“Kelly is really making sure that the voices of people with disabilities get elevated,” said Lit. “She’s given me free rein to build the department.”

For this production, Lit noted how one musician is mentoring a 15-year-old percussionist born with perfect pitch who never had a music lesson. Both are neurodivergent and have become “inseparable” friends.

“Theater has long been a place for connection and self-expression,” stressed Lit. “Unified Theater proves that those opportunities should belong to everyone. We need more accessibility and representation in the arts. Otherwise, what are we doing?”

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

Latest News

Hopkinton High School girls golf finished the postseason Monday with a second-place finish in the state championship.

HHS boys tennis coach Mike Miller said the team achieved its goal of being confident and ready for the Division 1 tournament with a strong 14-3 record this season.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows eight homes sold, including two for over $2 million.

The latest Library Corner features information on an audiobook walking club, an informational program about AI and final exams study halls for students.

The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting June 10 at the Hopkinton Public Library.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6) and Historical Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Individuals wait in line for a train ride at the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation’s annual Touch-A-Truck and Food Truck Festival at Hopkinton High School on Sunday. Click here for more photos.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO