Making a Major Impact on the World

Major Impact Theater, often known as MIT, combines the worlds of theater production and actors with disabilities to create a powerful value for the Santa Clarita community. MIT, a thriving nonprofit organization run by dedicated volunteers, has already successfully produced nine live stage productions in the last several years. Volunteer Production Crew members assist with script writing, stage design, choreography, rehearsals, sound and lighting, visual effects, costuming and make-up, back stage management and more.
MIT’s mission is to “make a Major Impact on the everyday lives of adults with disabilities through theater arts”. MIT seeks to improve the lives of its actors with intellectual, physical, mental health, visual and hearing impairments, and other disabilities. Actors, ranging in age from 18-75 years old, benefit from almost year round rehearsals and shine on stage in front of 400+ audience members by expressing their creative talents though acting, singing, playing percussion instruments, and dancing. Under the direction of MIT’s Creative Director, Shawnda Davis, actors have opportunities to improve their memory, speech, non verbal expression, collaborative team work skills, and especially their self-confidence and self-esteem. Standing ovations are typically the norm.
Post production surveys completed by community audience members reveal they are in awe about the capabilities of adults with disabilities in a way they may have not seen before. Those who have attended productions overwhelmingly state MIT’s performances are not only inspiring, but also very entertaining. MIT produces bi-annual performances, typically in May and November. Their next production, titled “The Red Light in the Doorway,” will be held at the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts on May 2, 2020 at 7pm.
MIT will be hosting a New York themed Cupid’s Crush Party fundraiser on Sunday, February 9 from 5 pm-8 pm at Bella Vida. A professionally catered dinner will be served along with special desserts, including a self-serve fun “chocolate fountain.” Community members, adults and children alike, are invited to attend and enjoy dancing to a live band, petting therapy dogs, and of course meeting the talented MIT actors and dedicated volunteers who help make the world a better place. Those interested in sharing the love at their upcoming February 9th Cupid’s Crush Party fundraiser can find ticket purchasing information at https://majorimpacttheater.org/events/.
MIT is currently seeking Cupid’s Crush and theater production sponsors as well as in-kind donations of goods and services to use as opportunity drawings at their events. They would also welcome additional Board members and volunteers to unite with their talented troupe of adult performers with special needs to bring the best of entertainment and excitement to the residents of Santa Clarita. For more information on Major Impact Theater and their mission, please call 661- 347-6438 or visit www.majorimpacttheater.org.  

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