For a group of local actors with disabilities, Sunday’s performance of “The Magical Mystical Karaoke Tour” at The New Vic Theatre is much more than a show; it is the realization of a dream.

The Open Stage Theater Group will present the original production filled with comedy, music, unforgettable characters, audience interaction, and plenty of surprises at 1 p.m. July 19 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara.

But the real story is not the show — it is the journey.

“It is the confidence built through rehearsals, the friendships formed along the way, and the opportunity for performers to discover their voices and share their talents with the community,” organizers said.

Created by the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County (DSASBC), the Open Stage Theater Group was founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in the arts, express themselves creatively, and experience the excitement of live theater.

Weekly Open Stage classes are held at the Grace Fisher Foundation’s Inclusive Arts Clubhouse, where participants explore acting, improvisation, movement, storytelling and performance in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Leading and developing the program is Buffy Jo Grenier, director of Open Stage Theater Group.

An actor, director, writer, improviser, and theater educator, Grenier designed the program using improvisational theater techniques that encourage collaboration, confidence, creativity, communication, and self-expression.

Through improv, performers learn to listen, trust themselves, support their fellow actors, and embrace the unexpected.

Rather than focusing on perfection, rehearsals celebrate individuality, teamwork, spontaneity, and the joy of creating something together.

“Improv is about listening, trusting yourself, and supporting the people around you,” said Grenier. “Those are skills that extend far beyond the stage.

“Watching this cast grow in confidence and discover what they’re capable of is always incredibly rewarding.”

For many of the performers, the upcoming production represents months of rehearsals, creating characters, learning new skills, stepping outside their comfort zones, and overcoming fears.

For some, it will be their first time in front of a live audience on a professional stage.

“This performance represents so much more than a play,” said Melissa Fitch, president of the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County. “It celebrates ability, creativity, and the power of inclusion.

“Our performers have worked incredibly hard, and we can’t wait for the community to see them shine.”

The arts provide powerful opportunities for connection and belonging, organizers said.

“In a time when inclusive opportunities remain limited, the Open Stage Theater Group demonstrates what is possible when creativity, encouragement, and high expectations come together,” they said.

“I love being on stage and making people laugh,” said cast member Ryan Fitch. “I can’t wait for everyone to see our show.”

“The Magical Mystical Karaoke Tour” is more than a single performance, it marks the beginning of what organizers hope will become a lasting tradition of inclusive theater in Santa Barbara County.

The community is invited to attend the family-friendly performance. Tickets are $10 and on sale now at DSASBC.org.

DSASBC is also seeking community sponsors, business partners, and in-kind food and beverage donations to help support this inaugural production and celebrate the performers following the show.

The Open Stage Theater Group is a program of the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County that provides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to explore acting, improvisation, movement, storytelling and performance while building confidence, friendships, communication skills, and self-expression.