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Junior Gigi Hausman turns her passion of theater into a way to help the community. Hausman, along with several other local students, teach dance to autistic children at Broadway at the Rose, Downtown. Hausman also is involved in Rose Brigade, which is located in the Rose Theater.
Hausman’s dance teacher has a son with autism, and because of this, she started offering classes specifically for children with special needs.
Friends in Hausman’s dance classes at Broadway at the Rose informed her of this opportunity. For those who have not been a part of the Rose, it is a little more difficult to get involved.
Most people who teach the autism class have been taking classes at the Rose for several years. Hausman has been part of the program since she was 10.
To be a part of the Rose Brigade Program, you even have to audition. “It is difficult to be a part of Rose Brigade, but if you’re interested in musical theatre it’s definitely worth it!” Hausman said.
The volunteer group strives to teach children with autism about theater and creative movement. Though it is beneficial to the children, it’s equally rewarding for Hausman. “I know how much I love musical theater, and it was good to see how much others appreciate it,” Hausman said.
The autism class is taught all year, and the Rose Brigade service proj- ect is once a year. There are about 10 kids in each class at both Rose Brigade and the autism classes.
The kids in the autism class perform in the dance recital at the end of the year with all the other dancers. The performance is during a pre-show, so there aren’t as many people. The house lights are up, which makes a more comfortable environment for the kids.
Hausman and the Rose Brigade volunteers make a difference by instilling hope and love for theater into the hearts and minds of every child they teach.
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