Original Opera to be Staged by Students with Disabilities
Bancroft School to premiere student-run musical production at Ritz Theatre in Haddon Township
The Bancroft School will soon raise the curtains on its students who are preparing to stage an original opera for which they have written the libretto, designed the sets, created the costumes and are now in rehearsal for its premiere performance.
“Stranded in a Video Game World” explores a young man’s journey into a video game world and relates his experiences through song and dance against a vivid video background. Presented by the students, the opera will be staged free to the public on May 27 (10 am) and May 29 (7 pm) at the Ritz Theatre in Haddon Heights.
Bancroft is said to be the only school of its type in the nation to produce an original opera. The Bancroft School serves students with autism, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological impairments.
Students from age 14 to 21 are involved in the ambitious production, mentored by Bancroft staff members and volunteers. “Those who have seen how much work the kids put into this project are amazed at the quality of the production,” said Hilda Bacon, Bancroft’s director of events and outreach. “They willingly accept the physical, mental and social challenges to create something truly unique.”
Bancroft staff members and volunteers work with the students to encourage the development of creativity, communication and problem solving skills.
Bancroft’s opera project is based on a program offered by the renowned Metropolitan Opera Guild. To stage the production, the students receive professional support from staff members of the Ritz Theatre.
About Bancroft NeuroHealth
Founded in 1883, Bancroft NeuroHealth annually serves more than 1,300 children and adults with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and other neurological impairments. Based
in Haddonfield, NJ, Bancroft has sites in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem and Middlesex counties in New Jersey, and in Delaware. Programs include education, rehabilitation,
vocational, residential, evaluation and treatment services.
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