'Christmas Carol' Countdown Begins

Billy excitedly portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past.

When Billy is asked to describe the character he portrays in the upcoming performance of "A Christmas Carol," he not only describes the Ghost of Christmas Past, he explains everything that happens around him from the time he gets on stage to the time he leaves.

To some, this may not sound like a big accomplishment, but for Billy this is the most some people have ever heard him talk.

"I am so excited," he said about being in the play, adding that his favorite part is when the people dance and his favorite line is "God bless us, everyone."

In less than two weeks, Billy, along with dozens of developmentally disabled adults, will take the stage for their first theatrical debut.

"They're all excited. That's all they talk about," said Donna Davis, production supervisor at VIP Industries, adding that the employees will even call each other by their stage names in the workshop.

On December 11, this remarkable group will perform the Dickens' classic. The performers are part of Project Stage Light, the new cultural arts program for children and adults with special needs, sponsored by the Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (AID), a division of VIP.

Billy's father, Bill Guth, is excited about this new program, which provides a new outlet for his son and peers that was not available before.

"I would venture to say that few, if any, workshops have a program like this," Guth noted, adding that many of these individuals probably did not have an opportunity like this in school.

For those who knew Billy before he got involved with the play, many would describe him as a quiet man who kept to himself. But he, like so many others, has really opened up since becoming actors in the play.

"I am lucky because I get to see the changes in people daily," said Meagan Edmonds, director of the upcoming play. "Individuals have opened up, they talk more, they remember more; and they take the time to find out what is going on."

"One of the biggest things I have noticed is simply the way the employees are carrying themselves," Edmonds said. "I see a lot more faces opposed to the tops of heads."

Edmonds just cannot say enough about her actors.

"The actors are wonderful," she said. "Not only has their enthusiasm continued to build, but the progress of the actors as well. Everyone is in great shape with their lines and the blocking is becoming second nature. I don't have to cue the actors onstage as much."

While Meagan's experience and enthusiasm are aiding the progress the employees are showing, she definitely does not take all the credit. She noted that many people, including staff, parents and community members, are pitching in to make this first production a success.

People have volunteered their time to sew and make costume pieces, help with rehearsals, and even practice with the actors at home.

"This show would not be where it is without all of the staff and parental support," Edmonds said.

Additional theater and cultural arts opportunities, such as art and music programs, are slated for development next year. If you, or someone you know, is developmentally disabled and is interested in participating in Project Stage Light, please contact Lori at 573-334-1166 for more information.

If you are interested in volunteering as a peer mentor, guiding a performer through the rehearsals and performances planned for next year, please contact us. Mentors of all ages are needed. To find out more information, our new website currently under construction, is located at www.vipindustries.com/AID.