On Jan. 10-11, Anchorless Productions put on its production of “The Little Mermaid” at South Torrance High School, creating a stage where every performer is given the chance to shine.
Anchorless is a nonprofit theater company dedicated to giving young adults and children with developmental disabilities an opportunity to perform on stage. The company strives to help students develop essential life skills while uniting them with peers in a safe and supportive environment.
“We try to do our best to include everyone in everything,” said costa junior Annika Waters, co-director and social media manager of the production. She recalled one student.
George, who was very shy when they first met. “His first day of rehearsal he wouldn’t speak to anyone, but now he’s so happy and bubbly.”
Rehearsals for “The Little Mermaid” began in fall, giving students time to learn lines, blocking, and choreography, while forming connections with each other.
“For the cast, rehearsals started in late September and we’ve consistently been meeting since then,” said Waters. “My co-director Eli White and I started working on the script over the summer, creating blocking and dances.”
Along with fostering confidence, Anchorless positions students to achieve their dreams by providing a space students can envision themselves as performers in ways they may not have imagined before.
“Nothing can prevent these young adults and teens with developmental disabilities from getting to their dreams,” said Waters.
Before Anchorless, all of them dreamed about being on stage, and this wonderful company gives them the opportunity to reach that dream.
One remarkable feature of Anchorless is the involvement of performance volunteers. These volunteers are often middle and high school students, who are paired with program members. Volunteers support their partners on stage, while also participating in their own dances and scenes.
“We memorize all the lines, so if they need support on stage, we’re there for them,” said performance volunteer and costa junior Amia Tsai. “They do all the acting, but we get to participate in dances during the songs.”
For many volunteers, the production has reshaped how they think about theater and connection. Building friendships is emphasized at Anchorless, and members strive to create an open and uplifting environment.
“I think I’ve really learned to understand others on a different level, and understand myself too,” said costa junior Zachary Rosenfeld, a performance volunteer in this production. “I’ve learned to be more expressive and just have fun without any pressure or judgment.”
The program’s work with developmental disabilities have expressed excitement over their roles and the opportunities they have onstage.
“I play Ariel, and my favorite part of the role is getting to act on stage with a company that understands and meets our needs,” said cast member Julian Franco. “It’s really fun, and I’m excited to perform.”
The environment allows students to feel supported, while still being challenged as performers. Students have the opportunity to learn basic theater skills, and are encouraged to express creativity and imagination on and off the stage.
“My favorite part of being in the play is getting to act on stage with a company that understands and meets our needs,” said cast member Siena Mehta. “It makes it really fun and exciting.”
Anchorless Productions offers authentic inclusivity and fun for everyone involved, representing performers whose talents may be overlooked.
“I believe a lot of the students Anchorless works with are so talented, and at least from my experiences, I don’t get to see people with developmental disabilities in big productions,” said Rosenfeld. “I think there should be more opportunities like this, because they have so much talent that’s not being shown to the world.”
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