The heartwarming story of “Come from Away” and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcoming stranded travelers during the Sept. 11 aftermath filled the stage in Anchorage, Alaska. In a partnership between GCI, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and Broadway Alaska, members of the set design team, cast and crew of “Come from Away” joined us for a special backstage webinar to share behind-the-scenes details, career opportunities and pathways, and advice to students about pursuing their goals related to the arts.
More than 20 classrooms attended the webinar, including students and educators from across the state. One special student’s mom reached out to share her son’s story of joining the webinar and seeing the show.
Eric, a 16-year-old student, loves musicals and was ecstatic to hear from the cast and crew about what life is like on Broadway. Eric’s mom, Judy, reached out to our team letting us know of his strong interest and enthusiasm for the experience, and shared a bit of Eric’s backstory. “He has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, and he uses an electronic, eye gaze technology device for his voice.”
Eric is currently reading “When the World Came to Town,” the book which “Come from Away,” draws inspiration. Judy asked if there would be an opportunity for Eric to get an autograph from cast members when they attended the show.
Bringing Broadway to classrooms across Alaska
Instead, the entire cast greeted Eric and took him backstage to show him around and answer his questions. Judy shared, “This was such an awesome show and Eric was treated so well. Anytime he is seen as someone special lifts my spirit. The energy that was spent by all involved was amazing. Eric laughed so much during the show and every time there was a revelation from the book he recognized, he would turn and look at me to make sure I was paying attention.”
Eric’s story is just the experience of one, but that one can make all the difference. It stands to show the importance of creating inclusive, accessible educational experiences both in-person and virtually.
We are thrilled to continue our Backstage with Broadway Alaska webinar series for the upcoming shows “SIX: The Musical” and “Disney’s ALADDIN” this spring. These webinars will offer an in-depth, one-of-a-kind learning experience for students and educators, offering a unique lens to working and performing in the arts. Judy had the highest praise for the webinar and panel discussion. “Eric really enjoyed this webinar. For a non-verbal kid that uses a communication device for his words, he had a lot to discuss about what he learned. This has been such a learning experience in so many ways.”
Stay tuned for our upcoming webinars!