Build Better Kansas City Bridges-Sorry We missed It!

Kids Build Better Bridges

Shakespeare wrote that all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.

Well according to a Kansas City Star article a group of 20 young people ages 14-33 most of whom have developmental disabilities – “…might bristle at the word merely.”

The Johnson County-based non-profit B.E.S.T. Network — the acronym is for Beyond the Star Theater yesterday performed a special holiday revue at the Bishop Miege High School Theatre. The singing, dancing and sign-language show included favorite musical numbers the group has worked on all year long as well as holiday songs.

Founder and director Marlene Wagnon said the one thing all B.E.S.T. members have in common is their love of performing.

“We’re about reverse inclusion,” Wagnon said. “We want our kids to express themselves and express their abilities. We invite typical kids to participate with those with special needs, and we work to break down barriers and form real friendships.”

B.E.S.T. was the brainchild of Wagnon, whose daughter Audrey has Down syndrome. Audrey wanted to act, sing and dance, but Wagnon couldn’t find any outlets for young would-be performers with disabilities. So in 2002, Wagnon started B.E.S.T., offering classes out of her Overland Park, Kansas home. 

A junior at Bishop Miege High School, Allie Bishop first connected with B.E.S.T. after participating in a production of the Jellybean Conspiracy, a two-act play about similarities and differences. Allie also had a friend with developmental disabilities whom she liked spending time with. Allie performs with B.E.S.T. and volunteers to help the group. 

“I love all the people who do it, with and without disabilities,” Allie said. “They’ve changed my life completely. I know I want to spend my life working the special needs people… They make me happy.” “Becoming their personal best and letting them communicate their ideas and feelings is so important,” Wagnon said. “They bring joy and no fear.”

For more information about the show or the organization, call 913-663-9936 or go to www.thebestnetwork.org.