The hour-long performance, based on the Disney movie of the same name, was staged at the Taree Christian College theatrette in front of an audience of 100.

breakthru support worker Elise Prosser, who runs the Brightstars program, said the idea for the musical started with interest from a couple of clients and the knowledge there was nowhere in town for anyone with a disability to do any theatre.

“It’s quite isolating. It’s hard to go up against people for parts. They’re not at the same level because of experience.”

She said the production gave the performers a chance to play someone other than themselves, grow in confidence, build friendships in an inclusive and safe environment and has helped with their speech, body movement and learning.

Cast member Samantha McIntosh enjoyed the experience, saying, “it was really good”.

She added that it helped she had been onstage twice before, referring to the Brightstars dance group performances at the 2018 Taree and District Eisteddfod and Forster eisteddfod.

The Descendants story explores the characters and their choice as to whether they became good or bad because their parents were bad.

“The lesson was that being good meant they had friends and didn’t have to follow anyone’s influence,” said Elise.

As well as performing, the Brightstars were involved in a photoshoot, pre-recorded voice overs and made all the props.

They only had a chance to practice on the stage the day before the performance, with Elise saying they did really well.

Brightstars is a singing and dancing based program for people on the NDIS, and the group has just had an intake of school leavers.

They are currently undertaking holiday programming and will be performing once again at the Taree and District Eisteddfod with a routine to Greased Lightnin’, and are also planning for their next show, The Lion King.

Auditions will be held for the show, with Elise explaining that while everyone will have a part, the purpose is to give the participants the chance to go through the process and learn how to do it.

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