10.03.24 - Stage Stories: My First Experience at Starcatchers

I recently completed my first experience with Starcatchers, a disabled theatre program where volunteers are partnered one on one with performers to help them shine on stage. Our production was Matilda, and honestly, when I first walked into that rehearsal room, I remember thinking I would have never imagined myself here. Not in a negative way, but it was completely new territory for me. I've been doing theater since I was 8. I wanted to bring that love for theater to Starcatchers so others could enjoy it too and maximize their experience.

Getting partnered with Sammie happened so naturally. We weren't assigned, but one day during a line run through, we sat next to each other in the big circle. She kept curiously staring at me and asked my name, and during break we got to talking about her role as Mrs. Trunchbull, how this was her third time with Starcatchers compared to my first, and discovered we both absolutely love singing. We exchanged numbers that day and started texting every single day (which we still do now!). What struck me most was how independent Sammie was. She rarely needed my help during rehearsals. My role was mainly to stand next to her during scenes, help with pronunciation of big words, and sing along with her during songs to help her stay on beat with the background music. I would always wait 5 seconds to let her try the word first before jumping in to help because I didn't want her to feel incapable. She took Mrs. Trunchbull incredibly seriously, and with her exceptional memory, once I helped her with a line or blocking, she'd commit it to memory but still ask me for reassurance just to be sure.

The whole experience taught me that in this cruel world where people with disabilities are often mistreated, Starcatchers creates this amazing space where everyone can truly shine. During performances, I stood right next to Sammie on stage in a similar but subtle costume so she remained the star, ready to help if anything happened. But honestly, my favorite part was just talking to her. Whether we were dancing in our chairs backstage to our favorite songs or chatting about school and our favorite foods. We promised each other we'd text and call every day when the show ended, and she still updates me on her life, asks me about my favorites, and tests me with questions about what she's learning in school. That simple promise and the genuine friendship we built is what I'll remember most about my first Starcatchers experience. 💙