Students with disabilities to stage original opera production at historic Ritz Theatre in Oaklyn, N.J.
Renowned Metropolitan Opera Guild, Ritz staff provided assistance
HADDONFIELD, N.J. – After months of planning, writing, designing sets and creating costumes, Bancroft School students will unveil an original opera, “Captain Jack Jack’s Mystery,” on May 23 at 10 am and on May 25 at 7 pm. The opera, produced by the student-run Dawn of the Opera Production Company, will be presented free of charge and is open to the public at the historic Ritz Theatre, 915 White Horse Pike in Oaklyn.
The Bancroft School serves students with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and other neurological impairments. Students auditioned to determine who would write the music and storyline, design the sets and costumes and act in the production. In all, 14 students have been involved in the effort. This is the fifth year that Bancroft students have created an original opera.
“Each year I am amazed at how much work the kids put into this project, and the results really reflect that,” said Hilda Bacon, Bancroft’s Director of Events and Outreach. “From the concept to the writing, the set design and the acting, they’ve done a tremendous job.”
As the Bancroft students work to create their original opera, they put together material about a subject of their own choosing and create their own production from start to finish – actions that fully challenge their mental and social capabilities. Creating an original opera is based on the principle of creating a nurturing atmosphere in which students are responsible for the process of producing a multi-arts program. Through mediated teaching, staff members work with students to encourage the development of creativity, communication and problem solving skills.
The student opera project is based on the renowned Metropolitan Opera Guild Creating Original Opera Program, an education program available to selected schools across the country. Bancroft is one of the only schools in the nation successfully adopting this MET-based program for students with special needs. The Met provides specialized summer training programs at regional sites for school staff members to help students create their own original operas.
In addition, Ritz Theatre staff members provided their expertise in acting, singing, set design, stage management and other areas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ritz Theatre originally opened in 1927. After several years of being closed, it was returned to its former glory and re-opened in 1986. Intimate and ornamental, the 472-seat Ritz is the only producing theater in the area still featuring its original decor. The architecture is Greek revival with the auditorium walls featuring 25-foot high neoclassical canvas murals, with gilt-trimmed columns and velvet-draped balconies enclosed by classic carved balustrades.
“We reach out to our entire community in all we do and when this opportunity became available we were thrilled to offer our support,” said Bruce Curless, Ritz Theatre producing artistic director.“ Partnering with Bancroft and the Met is a great fit for an organization whose mission is focused on training. We are pleased to be part of this innovative and creative partnership. We recently received a grant from Horizon HealthCare which enables us to continue our work with the Bancroft Opera project.”
The Ritz Theatre Company, Inc. presents six main stage productions and eleven children’s productions each season. Also offered are holiday shows, special events, summer theatre camp, dramatic workshops and outreach programs.
This Metropolitan Opera Guild Creating Original Opera Program is made possible through the generous support of The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
About Bancroft NeuroHealth
Founded in 1883, Bancroft NeuroHealth annually serves more than 1,200 children and adults with developmental
disabilities, brain injuries and other neurological impairments. Based in Haddonfield, N.J., Bancroft has
sites in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties in New Jersey, and in Delaware. Programs
include education, rehabilitation, vocational, residential, evaluation and treatment services.
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