Autistic kids to perform at Hult Center
EUGENE, Ore - The month of April is national autism awareness month. Putting the disorder front and center are some autistic kids and adults from Eugene who will perform at the Hult Center later this month.
Students at Eugene's Bridgeway House are preparing for their Hult Center debut.
"It's fun." says Aimee Schindler. "I like to dress up and stuff."
The show will be called "Soaring in the Soreng." The show will be held in the Hult Center's Soreng theater.
It will focus on the theme of "flight."
"The idea of flight is that children with autism can take it to the next level," says Bridgeway house Executive Director Patricia Wigney. "And fly and soar and take it to the next level."
At rehearsal, we found a group rehearshing a scene where they will act out different types of birds.
In another room, others were going over a skit where each kid is a different super hero.
Wigney says performing is actually a form of therapy for these kids because it helps with self esteem.
But because of behavioral challenges from autism, showtime could come with some obstacles. "A new place can be challenging," she says. "The noises, the clapping can be a challenge for these children.."
Wigney says these young actors are dedicated. They have been rehearsing since January. She hopes the performance will put not only the kids into center stage, but will put autism into the spotlight as well. "They're incredible, gifted children," says Wigney.
As for why he's joining the production, Nick Gerlach says, "It just makes me feel I'm the most famous actor there is!"
Bridgeway House is a community non-profit that offers programs for families affected by autism.
If you're interested in attending "Soaring in the Soreng" it happens April 25th at the Eugene Hult Center.
