Feb. 21st was a big day for the Berkshire Center! It was another wonderful Experience CIP weekend, as well as being the night of our 2nd Annual Variety Show! The show, done in collaboration with Community Resources for People with Autism from Pittsfield, was a rousing success for the second year running!
Students from both groups worked weekly at the Spectrum Playhouse to rehearse for the show. Over 20 CIP and 15 CRPA students were actively involved in the project, some as performers and others as backstage crew and box office support. Students were able to show off singing and comedy skills through group acts and even got the audience participating through improv skits.
An intermission bake sale and table auction, with donations from local businesses solicited by students, helped to raise money for CRPA Art’s Programming and Berkshire’s Student Council. Items donated included everything from a free dog washing to car alignments to gift certificates for meals. The support from local businesses was AMAZING!
Even though the weather was dreadful and the ice was building up, over 100 people came to enjoy the show. We can’t wait for the next one!
– By Kyle Goldman, Creative Arts Coordinator at CIP Berkshire
