A Shared Stage:
The Power of a Common Experience
'A Shared Stage' chronicles the development of awareness of oneself and of other people through the shared mutual experience of performing and preparing a musical, 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.' This performance, unique, as it is billed as an all-abilities production, is designed to bring together individuals with disabilities and those without, who love performing and are part of a local community. 'A Shared Stage' brings to life the relationships that develop, the emotions felt by all involved, and the realization by all members of cast and crew that people are people…no matter their race, religious affiliation or ability.
The documentary begins with auditions. The audience sees the various actors trying out for roles in the production. One is struck by how difficult it is to identify those with disabilities from those without. All the audience sees is the person and their effort and passion for the artistic process. The viewer begins to follow key people as they audition and then rehearse. Slowly, others are brought into the mix of characters – crew members, the Director, the actors and even the CEO of the nonprofit organization that produced the musical. As the audience hears firsthand the experiences of individual participants, they are witness to the relationship development between cast and crew as all of the production’s facets come together. One views the attention that an actor has for another. One experiences the support and help given toward the accomplishment of a common goal. One feels the power of strangers becoming friends.
The culmination of the production provides triumphant highlights of opening night…and again, one is inspired by the camaraderie and the joy that permeates the theater. 'A Shared Stage' is about individuals sharing…the stage, their lives, their hopes and dreams…and how people…when they come together, united by a common goal, can rise above differences.
