Finding a voice Jesters troupe showcases special needs cast


BY MALLORY MCCALL Staff Writer


DALLAS—The worship hall is packed and


buzzing with excitement. People of all ages sit at the edge of theirs seats with flowers, cameras and balloons in hand. Members of the youth group usher visitors down the aisles and Willy Wonka’s “Pure Imagination” plays over the sound system. This is not the typical church gathering at


Highland Park United Methodist Church. This is the premiere of a new ministry in Texas— Jesters, a performing arts program for people


with special needs. “This truly captures the spirit of theater,”


said director Lisa Schmidt. “It’s all about giving a voice to those who are seldom heard.” Jesters, founded in 1978 at the University of


Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., was originally designed to teach drama to mildly and moder- ately mentally and physically disabled children, giving them the opportunity to develop creative expression and positive self-image. Although the program was initially designed for children ages 8-14, over the years many Jesters have found the experience so rewarding that they continue to participate as adults.


ABOVE: The Jesters program showcases the talents of adults with special needs through music, dance and even multimedia projects. TOP: The 30-member cast spent six months writing and rehearsing their original play.


ABOVE: Volunteers from HPUMC and the Dallas area help prepare the performers on and off stage. RIGHT: The cast takes a bow after their performance.


4 B | AP RIL 1, 2011 | UNITED MET HODI S T REPORTER


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