At EPAC, theater's Victory Troupe spotlights onstage inclusion

Carol Emms of Owego whispers directions and encouragement, gives out hugs and demonstrates dance steps during rehearsals of the Victory Troupe in Endicott.

"I love it. It's heartwarming. It's satisfying," she said.

Emms, who has a granddaughter with Down syndrome, is one of more than half a dozen volunteers helping the Victory Troupe, a group of 20 performers with developmental disabilities, get ready for their June 23 show at Endicott Performing Arts Center (EPAC). They range in age from six to 56 and include people with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism and Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder which causes poor muscle tone, shortness of stature and constant hunger.

Emms’ son, Dustin Hirthler, the theater’s acting and stage combat instructor; came up with the idea for the group. He leads the troupe through rehearsals and gets a lot of help from his family. His cousin, Jessica Schwenk; and his aunt and Jessica’s mother, Donna Schwenk; also volunteer for the troupe.

"Everybody deserves that chance at victory even if it's for a few minutes," he said. "I just want to give them that chance."

People with developmental disabilities often find themselves in the audience rather than on stage as a performer, said Linda Quilty of Vestal, whose granddaughter, Cami Quilty, is one of the performers. Cami, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, turns 14 later this month and loves to dance, sing and perform in the show.

"It's wonderful because they each get the spotlight. They get to be a star," Linda Quilty said. "This gives them an opportunity to shine."

This is the second year EPAC has put on a show with the Victory Troupe, Scott Newman of Endicott, another volunteer, said.

"Last year was the first opportunity any of these guys had to get up on stage," Newman said. "I loved watching their faces light up."

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Newman led some of the troupe members in a rousing dance rendition of “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex. The show also features troupe members performing inspiring songs such as “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey and “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles.

As troupe members practiced their dance moves and sang their songs, they got support from Emms and Newman. They danced along with the performers and gently cued them if they forgot the next step.

Emms encouraged troupe members with a smile, hug or encouraging word.

“Some are so shy at first,” she said of the performers.

But the shyness doesn’t last long once the performers get used to being in the spotlight, Newman said.

“That shell comes right off,” he said.

Emms said she gets a lot of satisfaction when she helps troupe members put on their show.

“I find it fun,” she said. “It’s like a family – a theater family.”

As the performance draws near, the excitement of putting on the show is building. Some troupe members might have stage fright on the day of the show. But Emms, Newman and the rest of the volunteer team will step on stage alongside troupe members and help them give their best performances.

Added Scott, "We’ll be right here."

More about Carol Emms

Hometown: Nichols

Home: Owego

Career: Retired from Lockheed Martin in Owego

Family: Husband, John; five grown children and seven grandchildren

If you go

The Endicott Performing Arts Center Victory Troupe will perform at 3 p.m. on June 23 at the theater located at 102 Washington Ave., Endicott. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and can be purchased by going to endicottperformingartscenter.ticketspice.com/the-victory-troupe-2024

For more information: https://www.endicottarts.com/

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Endicott theater's Victory Troupe spotlights onstage inclusion