Performing Arts
CATA’s performing arts workshops include singing, drumming, dancing, juggling, and acting. Other workshops include poetry and yoga. Read more about our performing arts companies below:
The Juggling Connection
Directed by: Roger Reed & Michael Wolski
A former member of Mummenshanz Theatre, Roger began his work with CATA in 2001 and soon The Juggling Connection was formed. An award-winning playwright and set designer, Michael comes to the Berkshires from British Columbia. He continues to perform his one-man shows William K. Whiskers and Michael’s Surprise Shows to the delight of family audiences. Comprised of eight performers, The Juggling Connection focuses on sometimes noisy, sometimes silent physical humor, object manipulation, magic moments, juggling, mime, and all-around foolery.
The Moving Company
Directed by: Dawn Lane
Recognizing the talent of several individuals in her CATA dance classes, Dawn formed The Moving Company in 1998. The Moving Company choreographs and performs pieces which celebrate and acknowledge their disability and talent as dancers. They have performed at VSA International Arts Festival, Shakespeare & Company, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Tewksbury Hospital, Berkshire County schools and healthcare settings, and with renowned dancer, Marge Champion.
The Serenaders
Directed by: Vikki True
This thirty-five-strong ensemble accompanied by Peter Schneider consists of students and adults with a wide range of abilities. They learn and perform work written especially for them by Vikki, as well as anything from Peter’s repertoire (and he can play anything). They perform annually at Shakespeare & Company and have shared the stage with Tom McGrath, percussionist, composer, and producer, Ben Luxon, renowned baritone, Randy Courts, composer, and Donna Bullock, actor and performer.
Shakespeare’s Players
Directed by: Barby Cardillo & Diane Prusha
Based on an educational model developed for school residencies by Shakespeare & Company, this energetic group of eighteen has produced short adaptations of Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest. The prompting of lines to all actors transforms the stage to a place where the audience and the actors focus on acting rather than disability. In fact, the cast includes actors who are not verbal, yet embellish scenes and enchant audiences with their presence onstage.
Tap Murmurs
Directed by: Stefanie Weber
Murmurs are irregular heart sounds that are produced as a result of turbulent blood flow, which is sufficient to produce audible noise. They can be classified by seven different characteristics: timing, shape, location, radiation, intensity, pitch, and quality. CATA’s nine murmurs have been performing since 2004.
The Art Cart Performs
Directed by: JoAnne Spies
Singer, songwriter and Art Cart troubadour, JoAnne Spies transforms the words and stories of Berkshire Health Systems nursing home residents into song and performance.
