Cosumnes River College students are bringing an interactive, multisensory theater experience to local schools this semester, designed specifically for children with autism and other special needs.
The production, titled "Story Explorers," launched on October 26 at the college’s Early Childhood Development Center and is currently touring the Elk Grove Unified School District.
Written by Min Kahng, the musical invites audience members to engage with the performance at their own pace rather than sitting quietly in the dark. Performers use props like sand, clay, and ribbon sticks to guide children through narratives involving the beach, the jungle, and outer space.
“I like to say that I am your guide on the side, not your sage on the stage,” director Amber Valdez told The Connection. Valdez, who oversees the children’s theater performance class at the college, emphasized that the production is meant to be physical and playful.
The program prioritizes the connection between actors and the audience over rigid adherence to a script. Students are encouraged to improvise and adapt their performances based on the reactions of the children in the room.
“It was a lot of fun to see when the kids were there,” cast member Finn Scruggs told The Connection. “It kind of felt weird when we were alone, but when the kids were there, it felt so rewarding because you see them, their faces light up, and you feel really good inside.”
The production has established a consistent presence in the local area, with the cast performing at Isabel Jackson Elementary School six or seven times. These recurring visits have allowed the theater students to build ongoing relationships with the school community.
According to Valdez, the program has roughly 12 to 15 performances scheduled for the current semester. Most of these events take place within a 20-minute drive of the Cosumnes River College campus.
Cast member Harmony Swinney said that the show provides a space where children can explore their abilities without fear of judgment. She observed that participants often become more engaged as the performance progresses, particularly during interactive hand motions and sensory activities.
Community members, students, and families can attend a public showing of the production on December 5. The performance begins at 11 a.m. in the Black Box Theatre at the Cosumnes River College Visual and Performing Arts Center.
The event utilizes a “Pay What You Can” admission model. While the school tour is nearly fully booked for the semester, this final public date serves as the concluding showcase for the student performers.
What makes this production different from traditional theater?
Traditional theater typically requires audience members to remain seated and quiet. "Story Explorers" encourages children to move, sing, and interact with sensory materials like clay and ribbons, allowing them to participate in the adventure at their own comfort level.
Who created the "Story Explorers" production?
The play was written and created by Min Kahng. It is staged by students in the Cosumnes River College children’s theatre performance class under the direction of Amber Valdez.
How can the public see the show?
A public performance is scheduled for December 5 at 11 a.m. at the Black Box Theatre on the Cosumnes River College campus. Admission is based on a “Pay What You Can” model.
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