CDA ACT, Inc. (Celebrating Different Abilities through Art and Community Theatre), formerly Out of the Shadows Theater, is unlike any other theatre organization in North Idaho.
“CDA ACT is unique in that it is one of about a dozen disability theatres in the U.S.,” says Janet Waterdown, board vice president for the nonprofit organization. “Each of our actors have some type of disability, be it physical and/or developmental. We are able to highlight the talents of our special needs community where they would not otherwise get the opportunity to perform.”
Due to the special needs of their actors, CDA ACT takes a unique approach to rehearsing and presenting their productions. “The process for our production is a little bit of a longer timeframe, and each of our actors has a personal coach (shadow) helping them and supporting them along the way and who perform right there on stage with them,” explains Jamie Sciarrio, board president.
Rehearsals for CDA ACT’s fall 2024 production of Rodger + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition began in August, and the actors have been working hard preparing for opening night, typically rehearsing for two hours three evenings per week. The focus is more on singing and vocals in the beginning to allow for a more cohesive environment for actors and their shadows learning the choreography. “The more our actors and shadows are confident in the music, understanding how the song moves, when they can sing then we can start in on choreography or the movement of the actors to tell the story,” Jamie notes. Rehearsals also cover character work, line delivery and acting choices. About six weeks before opening, scenes are assembled and blocking begins, with the final two weeks dedicated to full run-throughs to get it ready for audiences.
“There are times in our own lives where the rules of society put a glass ceiling above us. This theatre breaks that glass because, unfortunately, the majority of my cast would probably never get cast in a typical theatrical production — not necessarily because the talent or the skill isn’t there but because of the challenges of communication, differences of physical limitations, of some comprehension challenges. This is an opportunity for these incredible, loving, funny, caring, amazing human beings to show that they can do more than most people allow them to do,” Jamie explains. “When our audience comes to experience our show, it is a joyful occasion. Our actors are so happy to be performing and to be seen for who they are and what they can do.”
When asked what they hope spectators take away from this year’s show, Janet shares, “That there are many individuals in our community with different abilities. While these individuals differ in some ways, they are bright, capable adults. They have gifts to share with our community as well.”
Jamie and Janet, along with the rest of CDA ACT, encourage the community to show their support by purchasing tickets to attend Rodger + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition and enjoy an evening of entertainment that guarantees “to spread joy to the community with an amazing group of individuals who will surprise you with their talents.”
Tickets are $20 per person or $15 each for groups of 10 or more. Show dates and times are: Thursday, November 7, at 7:30pm; Friday, November 8, at 7:30pm; Saturday, November 9, at 3pm; and Sunday, November 10, at 3pm. For more information about CDA ACT and to purchase tickets, visit CDAACT.com.
