Welcome to FREE



	Through the rehearsals and presentations of full-length musicals and comedies, our consumers have grown in many ways. Aside from the social development that is a natural outgrowth of a project of this nature, many individuals who are normally withdrawn and detached, unable to even make eye contact with others, are able to perform and look directly into the eyes of the audience with confidence and pride. Incredibly, something about being in the play allows consumers to be able to control their symptoms. One consumer who has schizophrenia and often hallucinates in such a way that he cannot communicate with others or hear others speaking to him was able to hear his cue and snap out of the hallucination long enough to perform. Individuals whose memory skills are limited work for months to memorize lines and lyrics with a great deal of success. One consumer who could not remember when it was his turn to speak but who had an uncanny knack for remembering numbers was able to remember that after another person spoke 35 words, it was then his turn to speak. Individuals who do not have the ability to stand still would sit calmly and quietly, waiting their turn to go on stage. Why? It is because the play is so unbelievably important to them. It is simply amazing to witness the positive changes the play effects on them. In addition, friendships are formed among cast members (both mentally challenged and mainstream), replacing prejudices previously held. From rehearsals, to the final performances and presentations, all participants partake equally. The troupe has had a tremendous positive effect on so many individuals. It is best seen on the faces of those on stage who end each production with tears of joy and shouts of laughter and by the expressions of those on the audience, equally pleased with what they have experienced. Another benefit of the FREE Players is that participants are trained in lighting, sound, orchestration, and as stage technicians according to preference and skills. Most important is the fact that our very special cast members experience the best feeling of all: a sense of accomplishment after working many long, hard months in preparation for those few hours on the stage, and in knowing they have played key roles in educating our community. Goals and Objectives • Participants will increase their socialization skills by the end of each performance, thereby decreasing social isolation. • Each participant will have increased confidence, as evidenced by performing on stage in front of an audience. • The performances of the yearly production will be open to the general public, helping to educate mainstream New York regarding people with mental challenges, thereby decreasing the stigma associated with people with mental challenges. • The troupe will perform in the larger community on invitation, also helping to educate others regarding people with mental challenges. The FREE Players is implemented under the direct supervision of Jim Sisto, Director of Day Habilitation of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. Rehearsals for the shows begin with four hours per week, expanding to over eight hours per week until the show is ready. The popularity of our shows required us to seek a larger theatre space, so we are now using the Pilgrim Rehabilitation Theatre in West Brentwood, NY. Sets, costumes, lighting and sound equipment are provided by donations. Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. welcomes donations throughout the year. Many community and family members volunteer their time to make the costumes and sets, working along side our employees and consumers.