News Release Header
For Immediate Release:
May 03, 2013
Media Contact:
Laura Phillips
[email protected]
305-755-7842

Miami-Dade County Parks Disability Services Presents a Live Stage Performance of Disney's 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'

7:00 p.m. on May 9th at the A.D. Barnes Park Leisure Access Center


The Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department invites residents and their children to join them for a free, live theatrical performance of The Sorcerer's Apprentice from the Disney animated film Fantasia at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the A.D. Barnes Park Leisure Access Center, 3401 SW 72 Ave., Miami.  The production will feature performers who are enrolled in the Miami-Dade County Parks Disability Services program for adults with intellectual disabilities, led by resident artists Phillip Collazo of the Miami Theater Center and choreographer Ana Miranda. 

This activity is being sponsored by a 2013 'In Park Series' grant from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. In September, the Leisure Access Center was awarded the 'In Park Series' grant in the amount of $6,220 to create a theatrical production for a public audience. The public will see an adaptation of The Sorcerer's Apprentice that highlights the abilities of each participant. 

"The arts is proven to be a successful tool for healing and developing self-expression for people of all abilities," said Collazo, a special education teacher, certified yoga instructor and co-founder of AWWOL (A World WithOut Labels), which cultivates inclusive arts experiences for children and adults. "By introducing the group to fun, theatrical exercises that teach them how to use their bodies and voices to act on stage and interact with the ensemble, we are helping them to become more confident and social."

"Through the process of working with the Leisure Access Center staff, Phillip Collazo and the participants, I have been inspired by the power of the creative arts to enhance the lives of all of us.  It has been a magical experience," said Miranda, a professional Flamenco dancer and board certified dance and movement therapist who specializes in inclusion strategies for individuals with disabilities. She has lent her expertise to endeavors at the Leisure Access Center since 2005.

In September Collazo and Miranda first incorporated The Sorcerer's Apprentice as a two hour a week learning component at the Leisure Access Center, presenting movement and theatre-based activities tailored to motivate adults with intellectual disabilities.  The performance exercise also introduced the group to The Sorcerer's Apprentice as a classical music piece. 

The Sorcerer's Apprentice segment in Disney's Fantasia  is based on the late 1890s symphonic poem by Paul Dukas and the 1797Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ballad.  In the film version, Mickey Mouse (as the 'Sorcerer's Apprentice') borrows his master's magical hat and enchants a broom to do his chores for him.  Unable to control the spell, havoc results with multiplying brooms and water pails.

The Leisure Access Center at A.D. Barnes Parks runs full day and weekend social, recreation, and independent life skills training programs for adults with developmental disabilities and offers Special Olympics training programs. For more information contact, Miami-Dade Parks' Gisel Prado by phone at 305-665-5319 or e-mail her at [email protected].

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award and winner of the 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.

Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department's efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County's world-class parks system for residents and visitors.  Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.  For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.miamidade.gov/parks_foundation.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.