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For the past couple of weeks of my summer, I have had the opportunity and privilege to be a mentor for the music and theater arts camps at A Place to Be in Middleburg, Virginia.
Specifically, the camp was a two-week process where students with and without a variety of challenges came together to perform a musical written and composed by A Place to Be directors, clients, and staff.
During this camp I had a variety of responsibilities that were along the lines of observing, leading, and supporting the campers. Being that I am an aspiring music therapist and an avid performer, I found that this experiences gave me opportunities to put my flexibility, creativity, patience, heart, and skills to the test. But among all these things, the highlight of my experience was partnering up with Sarah Yates, a 23-year-old woman with Down Syndrome on stage. Within the show, Sarah and I played two of the three evil trolls. Since we were the villains of the show, we had a substantial amount of material to learn. Lines, blocking, dance steps, and a gruesome evil laugh only name a few. At times, it wasn’t easy. This was Sarah’s biggest role yet and I was determined to make it her best. Even though our connection was pretty instant, it wasn’t easy working together at first. I had to learn what she needed from me, what she didn’t need from me, how to listen without words and all in all what it took to make her feel good about what she was doing. Even when she would have much rather been taking a nap in her special chair backstage. Pulling off our task took patience, empathy, understanding, and perseverance. And in the end, we came out a dream team, Sarah stole the show, and I gained a lifetime friend.
Morgan Potter
Third Year Music Therapy Major at Shenandoah Conservatory
United States
