Inside Augustana University's all-abilities production of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'

Those looking to hear the story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and enjoy some Christmas cheer need look no further than Augustana University’s production of the classic play this weekend.

Augie is presenting its first-ever all-abilities production in a partnership with the Black Hills Playhouse and LifeScape, which provides services and creative solutions for people with varied needs and complex care across their lifespan, according to a press release from AU.

A cast of 32 performers including AU students, performers supported by LifeScape and community members will take the stage Thursday through Sunday to recreate the festive show.

The production has been adapted to fit the needs of the diverse cast. For example, the stage design uses ramps instead of stairs, and costuming adjustments have been made as needed.

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Director Dan Workman said he and the rest of the production team have used different ways of helping the cast memorize lines, take cues and express themselves.

“I think it is amazing for our students to see how many different ways you can be supportive and inclusive, and the power of what theater can be rather than just an art form, but an empowerment tool,” Workman, who is also an associate professor of theater at AU and the artistic director for the Black Hills Playhouse, said.

Accommodations have also been made for a diverse audience, such as a TV being incorporated into the set for closed captioning to be used throughout each performance, Thursday’s performance being interpreted in ASL, and Sunday’s performance being modified for different sensitivities to lights and sounds, as well as audience movement and interaction.

Kenzi Hartman, who plays Santa in the production, said she’s done a couple of other plays with LifeScape and said “Rudolph” is her favorite. She said this production has shown her that it’s more fun to be in the show than to watch it.

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Jaren Keiser, who plays a reindeer and “Charlie-in-the-box” on the Island of Misfit Toys, has done LifeScape productions for the last 10 years. He said he especially likes the songs in “Rudolph,” and all the friends he’s made along the way.

Elaina Henderson, a junior studying sign language interpreting at AU, said she’s had a blast in the production and has loved working with the more diverse cast. In the toy shop scene, she can be seen leading other elves as they make and bag up toys for Santa’s big day.

“Everyone shows up with positive energy,” Henderson said. “It’s rewarding to see everyone come together. I’m impressed to see what everyone can do.”

Jamie Richardson, artistic director for the LifeScape Center for the Arts, said the partnership between AU and LifeScape is vital to continuing to provide inclusive and innovative programming.

“Having partnerships that allow everyone, no matter their ability level, to thrive and experience new opportunities makes both of our programs better in so many ways,” Richardson said.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Edith Mortenson Theatre at Augustana University, 2001 S. Summit Avenue. To purchase tickets, visit augie.edu/tickets.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Augustana's 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' is this weekend