A group of developmentally disabled adults from the Oceanside-based Training, Education & Research Institute plan to spread some holiday cheer next week with a special performance at a Vista charter school.
The TERI Players' holiday show, "Making Seasons Bright," will feature about 15 autistic adults from TERI's theater arts program, along with several drama students from Guajome Park Academy.
The show starts at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the academy, 2000 N. Santa Fe Avenue in Vista. The performance is free and open to the public
"Everyone has these roles they've found that they're not only enjoying but they excel at," Dona Mara, theater arts coordinator at TERI, said of the students at a rehearsal on Wednesday. "They love performing, and they view themselves as performers now."
The group has been practicing about once a week since August, and almost daily for the past couple of weeks.
About 16 Guajome Park Academy drama students will also perform and offer technical support for the program.
"We especially wrote numbers to let everyone see everyone's best talents," Mara said. For example, she said, three students wanted to portray Santa, so the production has a number that features three Santas.
Jeff Bush, who portrays one of the St. Nicks, said he's excited to perform in front of an audience.
"I'm Santa Claus next week," he said. "I like the dancing."
Allison Doroski, who portrays an angel in a portion of the show based on "The Nutcracker," said she has seen that show with her parents and loves performing.
Mara said the TERI drama students' self esteem has improved and they have become more comfortable performing in front of people.
"Everybody has something to share and we've been able to find what their special talent is," she said.
During a rendition of "This Little Light of Mine" at the beginning of rehearsals on Wednesday, Mara encouraged student Dennis Rood to dance in the middle of the performers instead of off to the side.
"If you want to dance, move down in front," she said.
George Thompson, the music director at TERI, said some of his students have become more comfortable talking and interacting with others as a result of music therapy.
Thompson pointed to Chris Baker, a student who has learned to play the piano and sight-read music within the past six months.
"He won't have a conversation with you, but he'll sing songs all day long," Thompson said. "He's really talented."
Thompson said the institute is always looking for musicians to come in and perform with students.
Call staff writer Cigi Ross at 760-901-4067 or follow her on Twitter @nctvista.
