Well worth the drive

Mallory comes from Mt. Vernon, Ill., 1 ½ hours away, to participate in Variety Children’s Theatre. Why, you ask? It’s the highlight of her year, and she doesn’t care how much time she has to spend in the car!

This weekend marks the third production for which Mallory, 18, has served as assistant to the executive producer, helping with auditions, rehearsals, shirt orders and even budgets. The opportunity just doesn’t exist in their town, said her mom, Toni, and even though it’s definitely difficult to transport Mallory so often, it’s worth it. “We’re all about giving Mallory every opportunity to be happy,” Toni said.

In 2009, Mallory auditioned to be a cast member in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and landed a role in the show. However, the intense rehearsal schedule was going to require a bit too much travel. When she learned about the opportunity to “shadow” a member of the production team, Mallory jumped at the chance to be involved.

Toni said her daughter has appreciated learning about the magnitude of such a professional theatre production, and what it takes to put on a quality show – and she has loved watching all of the pieces come together. Mallory has always been interested in theatre and the arts, but this experience has definitely heightened that passion. She has attended several shows at other theatres in the past few years, and enjoys knowing what’s going on behind-the-scenes.

Another of Mallory’s favorite aspects of Variety Children’s Theatre is the special friendships she has formed. A few of those friends have encouraged Mallory to come out of her shell and talk with people about her disability – hypotonia, which requires Mallory to use a power wheelchair and communication device. With Variety, she feels a part of a community where she can leave her stress at the door.

“I love being with my friends, who accept me for who I am,” Mallory said. “We have different disabilities, but when we get together, all the pressure is off, and we can all be ourselves and have fun.”