From audience members to performers and stagehands, Functional Living Skills students at Robert T. Hill Middle School are taking the stage for the first time during a holiday showcase.
“Through this program, our kids have really experienced a sense of belonging with their general education peers working closely together,” said Cristina Rachuig, FLS teacher.For the first time, FLS students are enrolled in theater as an elective, an opportunity that marks a shift in access to fine arts for students who previously had only art or physical education as elective options.
The elective brings FLS and general education theater students together, creating daily chances for friendships through rehearsals, performances, and backstage collaboration.
“This program has created a safe space for my FLS kids to interact with their general education peers and see that they’re really not that different,” Rachuig said. “They don’t feel left out, and it’s been sweet to watch friendships form.”
“I like helping them get on stage and not be nervous in front of a big crowd,” he said. “We make sure they’re not scared, encourage them, and become friends with them. It’s been a good time coming to this class.”
Eighth-grader Wilfredo M., who is visually impaired, will perform a monologue titled “The Gift I Can’t Wrap.”
“It’s about kindness,” Wilfredo said. “The gift isn’t something you can buy; it’s being happy with everybody and helping others. It’s important because gifts aren’t always material. We need to look for kindness and the good in others.”The showcase features performances designed around students’ strengths. Instead of a line-heavy script, the production centers on pantomime, movement, dance, and music.
One scene includes students dancing with snowflake flags, while Serenity O., who uses a wheelchair, rolls across the stage calling out, “wake up, wake up.”
Students who prefer not to perform still play essential roles behind the scenes.
“All of them have a part, whether it’s onstage or backstage,” Rachuig said.
The opportunity grew from collaboration between Rachuig and theater teacher Trinity Gordon, who previously invited FLS students to attend school productions as a sensory-friendly audience.
“We wanted to give them another creative outlet, not just as audience members, but as performers,” Gordon said.
The showcase includes a snowflake dance choreographed by FLS students, singing, Braille-script monologues, and a snowball fight scene where students share their dreams while tossing soft snowballs into the audience.
Rachuig said the joy she’s seen goes far beyond the stage.
“They face so many challenges, but when they succeed, it warms my heart to see my kids joyful, confident, and recognized.”
As the curtain rises on Dec. 10, the holiday showcase celebrates creativity without barriers, giving every student a chance to shine on stage, in the spotlight, or behind the scenes.
