Adult Actors With Special Needs

Explore our world of wonder and accomplishment

Who are we?

Adult Actors with Special Needs, Inc. is an Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation formed in 2024 for the purpose of providing adults with a variety of disabilities the opportunity to participate in on-stage theatrical productions.

It has 501(C)3 status under the Internal Revenue Code and is registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s office as a charitable organization.

Prior to its incorporation as an NFP, it operated as a part of the Adult Education Program at Lyons Township High School for over 30 years.

All of the AAWSN leadership, as well as its staff are volunteers. Some are family members of the actors; others are interested members of the community.

As the backbone of AAWSN, volunteers assist in a variety of ways, donating hundreds of hours for each production:

  • Conduct rehearsals

  • Construct sets

  • Create/rent costumes

  • Teach dance routines

  • Operate lighting and sound equipment

  • Apply make-up

  • Assist with staging

  • Provide intermission snacks

  • Help with publicity, ticket sales and fundraising

  • Providing a program dedicated to enrich our community, focusing on the creativity and the capabilities of our friends with special needs.

  • Our program is committed to provide awe inspiring performances for the community. We are committed to educate, entertain and support our actors to ensure their star shines bright.

  • The AAWSN program’s core foundation is inclusion. Where all participants are treated equally, with respect, despite what challenge they may have. We strive to create a welcoming environment, providing a home for our differences, a voice for the voiceless and a place where one can be seen and heard..

Our Beginning

Our program was founded in 1993, by Arlene Rehak and two other moms who received a grant. They immediately approached Dr. Larry Bond who was head of the Adult Education Department at Lyons Township High School at the time. After their meeting, he took the chance and allowed those confident mothers to create a curriculum for school graduates and other young people with special needs who lived in our community.

Continuing education for our special friends was introduced, providing cooking, finance, reading, yoga and drama classes.

The Drama class was a hit and served as part of the Adult Education evening curriculum at Lyons Township High School for many years. It was the only class offered at a high school nationwide.

Arlene stepped into the role of Director. After a few classes, she knew that they had to share these actors’ talents with the community. From day one, this was truly a family affair. Robert Rehak, Arlene’s husband, would lend a hand with scenery and program design, while their daughter Christine, wore many hats including assisting with directing, scenery and being her younger sister Laura’s number one fan.

Lyons Township High School still embraces our program and provides us with their facilities and stage craft in support.

Christine Grohne-Rehak took the reins after her mom retired. She continues to bring a sense of achievement to the lives of our actors and their families by providing a feel-good program to our community.

“I wouldn’t change you for the world, but I’ll change the world for you.”

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