Spotlight on Community: Include Everyone Project SCV (IEPSCV)

While the Newhall Family Theatre (NFT) serves the Newhall School District and hosts variety shows and promotion ceremonies, it is also a venue for many groups in our community. One of the many groups that have used the NFT is the Include Everyone Project SCV (IEPSCV). This community organization’s mission is to “provide creative spaces that encourage all members of the community to come together while embracing those with disabilities.” IEPSCV hosts after school classes during the year, and a fun summer camp which features a culminating performance. 

Classes and the camp feature instruction in dance, movement, acting, and music. Founded to fill a need, IEPSCV makes the arts accessible to a special population in our valley. Kristen DeBenedetto, executive director, and fellow founders Rodney Dong and Kate White pooled their talents to make it possible when they discovered arts activities weren’t always tailored for children with developmental disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome & Prader-Willi Syndrome.  

DeBenedetto says the NFT was a fabulous venue for IEPSCV’s summer camp performance. “IEPSCV was thrilled to give our students the opportunity to perform on a professional stage. The entire experience for us all was magical!” The campers worked for two weeks on learning lines, dances, and songs. “The staff and engineers are kind and skilled and made our performance run smoothly.  The theater itself has classical charm with professional equipment. It was the perfect venue!”

To learn more about IEPSCV, visit their website at Include Everyone Project