LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
Welcome to Gateway Performing Arts Studios first Portal Theatre Troupe production. Portal was written and developed by Andrew and I three years ago. We could not be more blessed and pleased to see our program come to life with our partners and families at GiGi’s.
A “Portal”; with a number of bravely placed and greatly understood steps, can take you
anywhere in the universe.
Portal is a vision for a Theater branch of Gateway, designed specifically for special needs students that promotes literacy, provides an opportunity for Gateway students to gain experience in directing positions, and gives special needs performers an opportunity to Learn and Express and Inspire through the arts. Portal will train students to put on a full scale production decided by the Gateway and Portal staff. Students will receive acting training, dance training, vocal training, stage direction and learn confidence in performing, memorizing, and working with larger groups.
Portal students will be paired with Gateway students during aspects of production and will learn first hand how to do makeup, work on costumes and props, and do character development along side their Gateway partner. Staff: Students trained and managed under a Gateway Artistic Director Student staff will direct the cast, develop and teach choreography, and teach vocal parts. Gateway’s Artistic Director will help manage the staffʼs vision and help them stay on task with production and production design.
Thank you all for your support of Portal Theatre Troupe
Ellen and Andrew Mahan
