SPARKs to light up the stage

By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

For weeks, performers have been gathering to rehearse dance numbers, practice solos and prepare artwork for display ahead of this weekend’s SPARK Arts showcase.

But organizers say “United We Shine: An American Arts Celebration” is about far more than the performance itself. For the participants, the showcase represents confidence, connection and the chance to express themselves in a supportive environment where every individual has the opportunity to shine.

The showcase will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Presented through SPARK Arts, an initiative of the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center (BCPAC), the event will feature nearly 40 local performers of all abilities celebrating inclusion, creativity and community.

Admission is $5 for adults. Youth will be admitted free.

As the nation prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s theme focuses on both patriotism and inclusion through music, dance, acting and visual art.

“This showcase brings our community together to celebrate artistic expression, unity and the spirit of freedom,” said Amanda Kemick, SPARK Arts director. “All abilities. One nation. Endless possibilities.” Participants ranging from teens to adults have been rehearsing together since March with the support of instructors, volunteers and community members. Among those helping prepare performers for the stage are Brandi Buck, musical director Daniel Nordin, Barb Pedersen, Kristin Asinger, Casey Langeinese and Khadejiah Thomas.

Students have worked with Studio B director Katie Neidich on a routine to “Shining Star,” while musicians led by Jim Ronan have prepared a performance of “We Will Rock You” and the national anthem.

Local drummer Owen Troisi has also been working with a percussion group performing “Happy,” while the STEPS Drop-In Center choir, led by Maggie Travis, will perform “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

The production will also feature a skit titled “Musical Fireworks!” written and produced by Chris Lathrop, one of the original founders of the “From the Heart”

Jackie Wolfe rehearses “The Ballad of the Green Berets” during preparations for this weekend’s SPARK Arts showcase. Wolfe will perform the song alongside Tracy Carson and Kim Langworthy.

Photo courtesy of SPARK Arts

Performers rehearse a group number ahead of Saturday’s SPARK Arts showcase, “United We Shine: An American Arts Celebration,” at Bromeley Family Theater. The showcase will feature nearly 40 local performers of all abilities Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Photo courtesy of SPARK Arts

showcase. In addition to group numbers, many participants selected solo songs that hold personal meaning.

“Participants picked out songs that were important to them, inspired them in some way or were just a favorite of theirs,” Kemick said.

One participant, Eric Lasher, has been working privately with Ronan on a duet of “Free Fallin’.”

“I am loving dance and music classes,” Lasher said. “I’m super excited for the show.”

Artwork created by SPARK Arts students will also be displayed in the theater lobby alongside pieces from a recent youth art class taught by Michelle Chapman.

Kemick said the program has helped participants build confidence, develop friendships and discover new ways to express themselves creatively.

“Since launching SPARK Arts, we’ve seen participants grow in confi dence, have opportunities to express themselves creatively and develop important life skills, all while feeling a stronger sense of belonging and pride,” she said.

Some participants who once stayed quietly in the background are now taking leadership roles within the program.

“I think my favorite experience has been seeing quieter participants start volunteering, performing or proudly showing their artwork,” Kemick said. “We even have past cast members now choreographing and leading numbers.”

Kemick said providing accessible arts opportunities is especially important in communities like Bradford because it ensures individuals of all abilities can participate and feel included.

“Access to the arts shouldn’t depend on ability,” she said. “Everyone deserves the chance to participate and create.”

Originally conceived by Lathrop and Bradford Little Theatre, the showcase is now presented through the BCPAC SPARK Arts program. This year marks the production’s fifth showcase following previous performances at Bromeley Family Theater and a special Christmas show.

Attendees will also be able to purchase handmade wind chimes created through a collaboration between SPARK Arts, Futures Rehabilitation Center and Groovy Glaze. Made by students and volunteers, the chimes will be sold in the lobby to benefit the program.

Following the performance, guests are invited to stay for cookies and lemonade served by SPARK Arts students Preston Taylor and Delaney Bridge.

Kemick said community support has been instrumental in helping SPARK Arts continue to grow. The organization recently received support from the Better Together Foundation to help cover rent for its new classroom space for the next year.

“Our goal is to continue to secure funding to offer free, accessible and inclusive arts programming to individuals of all abilities at no cost,” Kemick said.