Camp Munroe Theater 'Flawless' (NE UCEDD/LEND)

January 30, 2018

Performers Marcus Ramey, left, and Walter Watson in "Fractured Fairy Tales."

"Fractured Fairy Tales," held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Hall in Omaha, was the culmination of a three-day theater workshop for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 23 participants, ranging in age from 6 to 30, also created the sets and some of the props for a skewed look at some classic children's tales.

MMI's Department of Recreational Therapy teamed with WhyArts?, an arts organization based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Engagement Center, to create the Camp Munroe Theater Co., a camp for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"What a fun time we had working with the exceptionally talented campers during our three days at Camp Munroe," said Carolyn Anderson, director of WhyArts. "We are thankful to participate once again with these creative actors and devoted Munroe-Meyer staff."

Michael Crawford, Ph.D., director of the MMI Department of Recreational Therapy, called the show a great success and said staff and campers were excited about the new venue at the Scottish Rite.
"It's a very beautiful theater," he said.

John Maxell, general secretary of the Omaha Scottish Rite, said the organization -- a longtime collaborator and supporter of MMI's Speech Language Pathology Department -- was pleased to be able to donate the performance space.

"We thought it would be great," he said after the show. "And it was great."
MMI's Erin Bentzinger, who runs the Camp Munroe Theater Co. program, agreed wholeheartedly.
"It was flawless," she said. "There was no stage fright and everyone had fun."

by John Keenan, UNMC public relations | January 16, 2018