With stage lights glaring down, Jaden Figueroa enthusiastically runs through his lines during a rehearsal for Aladdin Jr.
There’s no hint that this is the 12-year-old’s first experience of acting in a play.
The young actor was among a cast of three dozen special needs youth taking part in the play — based on the popular Disney film — at the University Area Cultural Development Center in Tampa.
The New Tampa Players production’s performances of the play are over. They were held April 5 to April 7.
But, the value of the experience for these young actors goes far beyond the applause received during the public performances.
They’re also getting a chance to learn about acting and find out about the work involved to pull off a successful show.
Nora Paine, director of Aladdin Jr., said the aim is to help those who are involved with the play to develop their skills.
“We’re looking at the things they do well,” Paine said. “We’re looking at the things that make them happy and they’re excited to do.”
The casting became possible through a recent merger of the New Tampa Players and The Penguin Project, a nationwide theater program that casts youth with developmental disabilities to be a part of stage performances.
As of last year, Tampa was the first city in Florida where The Penguin Project added a new branch.
Paine, who also is president of New Tampa Players, spread the word to special needs schools and organizations – which brought new talent to the stage.
Jaden initially tried out for the role of the Genie.
The casting director, however, had a more prominent role in mind for him – Aladdin.
“I didn’t try out (for Aladdin), they just said that they wanted me to be this part,” the Land O’ Lakes resident recalled.
Taking on the lead role was a good experience, and fun, he said.
His dad attended the April 1 rehearsal.
“I think all the kids are doing great,” Ozias Figueroa said, noting he thinks it has been a beneficial experience for his son. “He started to see the hard work you have to put in.”
The actors aren’t the only ones involved in the production.
Each actor is accompanied on stage by a mentor who is there to help the actor memorize lines, as well as song and dance routines.
From the first rehearsal to the last stage performance, mentors are ready to whisper lines or flash a cue card in case actors forget lines.
In the University Area gymnasium, actors and mentors stood side by side to practice singing routines.
Brad Roberts, the singing coach, guided the cast through a range of high to low pitch drills to warm up their voices.
“We’re also looking at the relationship between the mentors and the young artists so we can find those matching pairs,” Paine noted.
One good match was found when Marian Storvik partnered with Zoe DeJoseph.
“Getting to work with her and having fun, encouraging her to do the best she can – it’s honestly been a blessing,” said Storvik, who is a mentor.
DeJoseph, who is 18, said she was thrilled to be selected to perform as Princess Jasmine, a leading role.
Unlike some cast members, though, she is no stranger to stage work.
She’s been involved in theater performances since the ninth grade, and said she’s been singing for as long as she can remember.
Even with all of that experience, she said she could barely contain her joy when she was asked to play Jasmine.
“I was happy that I got a role that is major,” the Wesley Chapel resident said. “It’s kind of nerve-wrecking, but also really awesome to play a princess.”
The dress rehearsal provided a glimpse of what these actors would be presenting during the public performances.
As the stage lights brighten for the first scene, the background art of the fictional city Agrabah, becomes visible and the Genie emerges.
Performed by Connor Olsen, the Genie sings “Arabian Nights” with a prominent voice that amplifies the stage.
The 17-year-old’s love for singing is apparent.
Olsen also came to the role after previous theater experience.
His mentor, Olivia Carr, also is an accomplished young performer, who played the lead role in the play, “Violet,” last year.
As Olsen’s mentor, the Lutz resident explained her task to help memorize lines, music routines and build her partner’s character.
While not a lead this time, Carr said she’s happy to help someone else on stage.
Working together helped them form a strong bond.
“I’ve had a lot of fun,” Carr said. “We’ve gotten to be really good friends.”
The actors also enjoy getting into character, and wearing costumes, Paine said.
Behind the stage, rows of costumes hang on a rack ready for the actors to pick them up.
“When they could finally put on their costume, look in the mirror and see themselves as the character, it really made a difference,” the director said.
At the dress rehearsal, there were parents in the audience — applauding and demonstrating support.
The director said she hoped that at the actual performances there would be youths with special needs watching the plays — which might prove particularly inspiring for them.
“It’s very important for everyone to be able to see someone on stage that’s like them, so they know they can do this, too,” Paine said.
Published April 10, 2019