SARASOTA, FL - The Asolo Theatre Company and Children's Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. (CHAC) are excited and honored to announce that the Kaleidoscope musical theatre workshop for teens and adults with developmental disabilities will be changing lives as usual when the landmark program kicks off its tenth season with a free opening reception on June 6, 2005, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Asolo Theatre Company Main Rehearsal Hall at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.

This year's theme is From Whispers to Shouts – expression through theatre, music, dance, and visual art. From Whispers to Shouts celebrates each person's individuality, focusing on the value of diversity and the importance of finding each person’s distinctive ‘voice’ with which to express and celebrate his or her own creativity and uniqueness in the world - regardless of the challenges they may face in life. The production will feature choreography by Seva Anthony, who brings to the program 23 years experience as a professional performer, director, dancer and choreographer at such places as Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet.

Kaleidoscope is an innovative partnership between Children's Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. and The Asolo Theatre Company. In addition to Anthony and Acting Teacher/Director TJ Geist, a graduate of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Kaleidoscope staff includes: Arts Inclusion Directors Marla Doss and Judi Martin; Asolo Associate Education Director Carolyn Mills; Kaleidoscope Coordinator Megwyn Sanders; Vocal Instructor/Musical Director, Liz DeVette; Visual Art Teacher Anna Barker-Schefler; Stage Manager, Amanda Schlachter; and Volunteer Coordinator, Natalie Gundrum. Asolo's Education Director Carole Kleinberg and CHAC's President/CEO, Peggy Connell, serve as Kaleidoscope co-program directors. 

This year's Kaleidoscope program continues to create an opportunity for groundbreaking theatrical work as Kaleidoscope staff members help the participants grow as performers and individuals. Clinical goals, set for each participant, are achieved through creative exploration, which strengthens a variety of communications skills and ultimately enriches their everyday lives.

"I'm delighted to begin my third season with Kaleidoscope. This year's theme, From Whispers to Shouts, will further Kaleidoscope's ongoing mission to foster each individual's unique expression of their creativity. As each individual is able to express that creativity, is able to find their voice, those voices raised together can change the world." – Kaleidoscope Acting Teacher/Director, TJ Geist.

Kaleidoscope runs June 6 to July 9, 2005, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the FSUCenter for the Performing Arts. From Whispers to Shouts performances run Friday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jane B. Cook Theatre. Tickets to the show, which help pay for program costs, are $15 and can be purchased by calling the Box office at 941-351-8000. Kaleidoscope performances traditionally sell out; tickets should be purchased early.

For additional details about the Kaleidoscope program, please contact Megwyn Sanders at 941-355-8808 Ext. 258.

Kaleidoscope is sponsored in part by the Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation, the Ausonian Society, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

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