Arc Angels on Stage

On June 16 at 7 p.m. a very special performance by the Arc Angels on Stage will take place at North Pocono High School. The Arc Angels on Stage is an adult theatre group, with performances by those with intellectual and developmental special needs. It began six years ago.

Especially unique about this group is that the performers or “stars” have theatre buddies, teenagers from different school districts who volunteer to perform alongside the stars. In addition to helping the stars learn their lines and to know where to go on stage, the buddies learn so much about his or her own level of compassion and discover the true joy in showcasing the dignity of every person.

The Arc Angels on Stage developed from a creative idea of Betty Moreken, who was a member of the Friends of the Arc Auxiliary. In 2016

Betty met with Geri Featherby, a theatre educator at North

Pocono High School. They applied for and received a project grant from the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department. The ladies joined with the Arc auxiliary, and created a team that also included Tina Sohns Williams and the Theater Buddies. The buddies also demonstrate the dance steps and rehearse the singing for the performers so that skills such as interpretation and selfexpression are learned by the stars. The buddies also help the stars with memorization techniques.

The experience has proven to be life-changing for all involved. The theater buddies often continue friendships with their “star.” Lindsay Cocker and Avery Roberts have been with the program since its inception furthered their involvement by working for the Arc Summer Camp and at a group home.

The Arc Angels on Stage purchase, borrow and make all the costumes, and the Arc Education Committee attends rehearsals, designs set pieces and creates props.

The first theatre workshop was filmed and a documentary was created that can be watched on Youtube.

The Arc Angels on Stage welcomes any adult performers with intellectual or physical disabilities from age 19 and up who attend the recreation and day groups at the Arc of NEPA, live in any group home or reside at or attend programs at St. Joseph’s Center.

The show always has an original script, begins with a theme and integrates bits of songs to accompany that theme. Past creative shows were entitled, Moon Ventures, Dissco Wizard of Oz, The Christmas Train, Back to Basics, Sing/Dance/ Act Extravaganza and this year’s show is entitled, Under the Sea. Over 30 adults have signed up for this year’s performance that is flavored with Spongebob Square Pants-type characters.

The evening begins with each performing star and his/her buddy being introduced and walking the Red Carpet into the auditorium with parents and friends cheering them on. Everyone enjoys stopping to pose for photos. The stars then go into costume and makeup and perform the show. “They feel like stars and we do our best to make them feel like celebrities,” said Geri Featherby, artistic director of the Arc Angels on Stage.

The stars of the show reveal that their love and ability for entertainment and showcasing their talents has changed them. It has also changed everyone involved. “The program really exhibits that each person is a precious gift,” said Geri.

The live performance is free for family, friends and the community. For information contact: 570-346-4010 H