Unified Theater 2011 celebrates its eighth theatrical season on Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov. 18 with a lively rendition of “Super Bowl VIII” featuring a variety of humorous commercials.
Music, dance, and drama come alive thanks to the creative efforts of 140 Sedgwick Middle School cast members, led by student directors Adrianna Graham and Allison Volpe and student producers Callie Dannhauser and Sara Flynn.
Unified Theater is a popular group at Sedgwick Middle School. The students love being able to work with their friends, creating their own skits and having so much freedom to be themselves. That being said, even a totally student created, directed, and produced show needs some adult guidance. These duties are performed by Melissa Lotstein, sixth grade Sedgwick music teacher, and Denise Brezinski, a special needs paraprofessional.
Each year they face the daunting challenge of putting a show together in eight short weeks. Enlisted along the way is the support of many Sedgwick staff members. “It takes a village to put on this show," exclaims Denise Brezinski. Heather Pelkey, Amy Tebecio, Renee Kleinmann, Tricia Hartunian, Jas Singh, Principal Benjamin Skaught, JJ Jordan and his custodial staff, and the art department all answered the call to action.
Unified Theater is a collaborative effort of special education and regular education students at Sedgwick Middle School. This successful middle school program is an offshoot of the Unified Theater program begun at Conard High School by former student Micaela Connery. The mission of Unified Theater is to create a theatrical production equally featuring the talents of individuals with and without special needs.
Melissa Lotstein feels Unified is a refreshing break in today’s high-pressured lifestyle. “I love that kids have the opportunity to explore creative outlets and take full ownership of a beautifully finished product. They work together to create a memorable theatrical experience.”
The community is invited to attend “Super Bowl VIII" which will “broadcast” live at 5 p.m. in the Sedgwick auditorium, 128 Sedgwick Road, West Hartford, on Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov 18. Admission is free. Refreshments in the cafeteria will follow the performance and slideshow.
