Making Dreams Come True

This specialized program gives participants avenues to express themselves. 

Performing Arts serves as a venue to allow individuals greater independence opportunities in decision making.  Approximately fifty program participants are taught life skills through the performing arts including acting, set and costume design, music, and dance. 

Our program truly defines what it means to make dreams come true. Each year, Performing Arts presents productions to family, community, and other OPWDD agencies.  Past productions include “West Side Story”, “Grease”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Mary Poppins”.  We have also written original works based on the characters from “The Addams Family” and “Little Shop of Horrors”.  A completely original production, “Sensorielle”, took audiences on a journey through the senses.              

For more information on the Performing Arts Day Habilitation program, contact Shelley Hughes, LMSW at 631.474.4100 ext. 3210 or SHughes@Maryhaven.org

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History

Maryhaven's Performing Arts Day Habilitation (PADH) first opened their doors more than 20 years ago. The building was originally much smaller and was in desperate need for expansion as the program grew over the years. Approximately 15 years ago, the program was fully renovated to fit a larger audience and meet participants needs. The renovations not only increased the space, but also added an authentic theatre, which is where the program participants practice and perform their on-site productions. 

Each year, participants of PADH produce adapted productions as well as their own original works, based on the characters from various television shows and completely original productions, including, Sensorielle.

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The Maryhaven Players

Program participants of Maryhaven's Performing Arts Day Habilitation (PADH) program have formed a group who call themselves, the Maryhaven Players. Members of the group, consisting of all site-based day habilitation participants, are involved with acting, set and costume design, music and dance. The Maryhaven Players mot only perform on-site at the theatre, but also in the local community at preschools, school districts and nursing homes. Their off-site skits range from various children's television shows to drama workshops. 

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