Backlight Productions, Tennessee’s theatre company for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is back for another season. The company announces expanded programming for 2024/25 plus collaborations and shows.
“We are so excited about our 2024/2025 season and the opportunity to expand our programming and community partnerships,” says Melissa Smith, founder and executive artistic director. “These artists with IDD continue to inspire me daily and the contribution they are making to the Nashville performing arts landscape is significant.”
“We are so excited about our 2024/2025 season and the opportunity to expand our programming and community partnerships,” says Melissa Smith, founder and executive artistic director. “These artists with IDD continue to inspire me daily and the contribution they are making to the Nashville performing arts landscape is significant.”
Backlight Productions Announces 24/25 Season
Improvisational comedy with the Backlight Comedy Club and Oddity Improv kicks everything off on September 20. The fun takes place at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center in Franklin, starting at 7 p.m. Come December, the Backlight Glee Club will sing during the Franklin Kiwanis Christmas Parade. Next, in early March, a collaboration with the Nashville Shakespeare Festival will yield A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And finally, the culminating production will be the full-length Broadway musical, The Spongebob Musical. Spongebob performances will be at Christ Presbyterian Academy’s Soli Deo Center.
“I am so proud of our organization and the amazing growth we have seen these last few years,” says Jeff Atwood, Backlight’s board chairman. “We are greatly looking forward to our 2024/2025 season and the opportunity to introduce more Middle Tennesseans to the magic of a Backlight Production,” he adds.
“There is no limit to what these artists are capable of,” adds Smith. “I am so excited about another season in which we will watch them enhance their social skills through artistic expression and grow in confidence both on and off the stage.”
“There is no limit to what these artists are capable of,” adds Smith. “I am so excited about another season in which we will watch them enhance their social skills through artistic expression and grow in confidence both on and off the stage.”
Backlight Kids to Launch
Backlight Kids to LaunchBacklight also offers classes for adults with IDD in theatre, music and dance as well as an apprenticeship program in partnership with Independence High School. This year, the company will introduce Backlight Kids, further expanding Backlight’s reach and providing arts education and opportunities for younger artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“As an organization, we seek to challenge people’s perception of what artists with IDD are capable of,” Atwood says. “We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to expand that reach to the youth IDD community.” Go to Backlight’s website to learn more about involving your child with Backlight Kids.
Tickets to Backlight Comedy Club’s collaboration with Oddity Improv on September 20 at 7 p.m. are available at backlightproductions.org. Tickets to remaining season events will be on sale soon. Backlight Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As such, you can make a charitable contribution to the group at the website.
