No Cold Feet for Performing Arts Troupe
From the Winter 2004 issue of Voice, the quarterly publication of Casey Family Services. To view the entire issue, go to caseyfamilyservices.org.

by Jennifer Agostin, Team Leader

After a dazzling spring production and a well-deserved summer break, Casey's own Performing Arts Troupe (P.A.T.), (a cultural arts program designed for children ages 8 to 14) conducted another great and exciting performance during the Annual Family Holiday Party in December. On that day, trudging through snow, sleet, slush and frigid temperatures, Troupers from surrounding communities weathered the blizzard of 2003 to give us one of the most spectacular performances seen in years.

Did the weather give the Troupers cold feet? Certainly not! They entertained a daring, brave and appreciative audience of nearly 150. The Troupers showed off their individual talents and initiative in drill, drama and African drumming.

Foot stomping, hand waving, cheering and hip-hop has added energy to P.A.T. with the emergence of the new drill/dance ensemble, led by ALB Drill Coordinators Towanda Lockhart and Georgina Chavers and community volunteer Brittany Cogdell. Under their guidance, "the steppers" showed some pretty fast and fancy footwork, creative cadences and precision positions during the holiday extravaganza, in their first performance.

At the Troupers' request, the P.A.T. committee, chaired by Team Leader Jennifer Agostin, made several changes in the design of the program this year so the skill level, interest and experience of the Trouper receive individual instruction, tailored to the needs of the performer.

Due to the inclement weather, the snowed-in drum instructors were unable to make the actual performance. Despite their absence, the drum corps laughed in the face of adversity and this determined group said, "The show must go on!" After their stellar performance and never-before-seen impromptu solos, the drummers led the way by boldly beating the "Call" that set the stage for the dramatic acting and rhythmic rap in a skit titled "The Gift."

Angie Bailey (ALB Productions), widely known for Casey's spring 2002 performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth, returned to debut beginner and advanced drama for the Troupers. Assisted by Joshua Eaddy and volunteer Susie Huang, participants in this course developed, helped write, produced and acted in "The Gift." The actors put on a truly amazing performance and delivered their eloquent message regarding the necessity and importance of selflessness, charity and volunteerism toward less fortunate people and communities.

Merely reporting on the program changes and star performers in the Performing Arts Troupe will not do it justice. To really see, feel and hear the many talents of the Troupe, don't wait until the next blizzard, but catch them in late May during one of the limited engagements. RSVP early!

Until then, you can catch the Troupers, including the African Drumming Corps, in rehearsal every Tuesday evening at the Bridgeport division.