ACT play highlights theater as therapy

Taking on the identity of another person by acting in a play can be very therapeutic.

A handful of autistic kids from the Mid-Columbia will be doing just that as the Academy of Children's Theatre presents Alice in Wonderland at 7 p.m. July 30 at the ACT studio theater, 213 Wellsian Way in Richland.

The production is the culmination of a new ACT summer program for autistic kids in grades seven to 12 called Spectrum on Stage and will be the first play presented.

Program director Julie Schroeder said she's proud of what her students have accomplished as they tackled the challenge of acting.

"As a group there were days that were definitely more challenging, and days when rehearsals went smoother," she said. "It was all about keeping a very calm and structured rehearsal process and environment and still making it fun."

The one-act play follows the traditional story line when Alice, played by Jordyn Pirotte, falls down the rabbit hole. She meets the White Rabbit, played by Daniel Howard, and all the other Wonderland characters.

Logan Frost has three roles as the Caterpillar, the Dore Mouse and the French Mouse. Elijah Monson also tackles three roles as the Cheshire Cat, Tweedle Dee and the Knave of Hearts. And Jem Curran is the March Hare and Matthew Townsend the Mad Hatter.

Schroeder said she recruited some of ACT's advanced students and acting teachers -- Josh Darby, Patrick Polsin, Elizabeth Andrews, Ansley Gerhard, Betty Whatron, Brian Howard and Joseph Howard to act as mentors.

"The theater guides are there to give support to our new actors, both on and off stage, whether they need prompting or help with lines, blocking or are just having a challenging day," Schroeder said.

The autistic kids who are bravely coming out of their shells say acting has been fun. "I like to be Alice because I am the main character," said Jordyn. "I am a girl who is nice."

Elijah, of Kennewick, said he enjoys his three roles. "The play itself is fun, comical, quirky and crazy all at the same time," he said.

ACT first offered the Spectrum on Stage program for autistic children earlier this year. The first session was held in January and was such a success Schroeder decided to have another this summer.

"I am looking forward to watching this program grow," Schroeder said. "It's the only one of its kind in the Northwest. The positive and fun social experience it brings to these kids has been invaluable."

Admission to the show is free but donations to ACT are welcome.