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Unified Theater adds dancing to student repertoire with upcoming performance

The Hopkinton Center of the Arts hosted the United Theater’s production of “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” back in June. FILE PHOTO/LIBBY LIT

Unified Theater, an inclusive group of actors of all abilities, will perform “Songs From the Cinema” at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts on Dec. 11-12 from 6:30-8 p.m.

“We’re trying to create as authentic a moviegoing experience as possible, said Libby Lit, the HCA’s director of adaptive arts, in a recent interview.

“And we’ll have popcorn,” she added with a laugh.

For the first time, a Unified Theater show will include dance performances along with music.

“My students are learning these full dance numbers, and they are absolutely killing it,” said Lit. “They put themselves fully out there on stage in a way that they don’t have the opportunity to do in everyday life. I’m just in awe of them.”

The cast will include performers of all ages, including individuals from the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. Also, program volunteers and interns will perform a number together. Their ages range from 15-75.

“This is also our biggest cast yet at about 25,” noted Lit. “Over the years, the program has grown tremendously, both in its cast and its audience.”

She added that “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” a June performance by Unified Theater, “became one of HCA’s fastest-selling shows.”

Added Lit: “We’re excited to continue building on that momentum.”

While she didn’t want to give away any surprises, Lit shared that a couple of key songs will be “Let it Be” and “White Christmas.”

Lit added that the HCA is creating a Unified Theater program for teens.

“What makes Unified Theater special is that everyone is involved,” she said. “We aren’t creating separate experiences or limiting participation based on someone’s abilities. We’re simply making theater together.”

Lit said she founded the program to “create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate in theater, build relationships and experience being part of a production.” She experiences joy as the performers gain skill and confidence over a few months’ time.

“I think people tend to have this very scared outlook when it comes to people who are significantly disabled,” explained Lit. “If people walk away from these shows with nothing else, I hope they engage more with this population.”

Added Lit: “We all just want to be loved, and we all want to share our art.”

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

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Photo of the Day

The Nazneen Circle community in Hopkinton held its fourth annual Diwali celebration on Saturday at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Holliston. The evening began with a lamp lighting and a prayer: “Let there be peace everywhere. Let there be good health everywhere. Let there be harmony everywhere.” Children and adults shared cultural performances, devotional chanting and songs. Organizers thanked the volunteers and hoped the community will stay connected and grow together like one big family.