By Leah Frantz
It all began with a visit from The Seeing Eye to Morristown High School in October, when theater students learned how a blind person gains independence with the help of a guide dog.
In early November, several cast members visited The Seeing Eye in Morris Township in an attempt to learn how to realistically portray blind individuals in their upcoming performance of The Miracle Worker.
Now, the public has the opportunity to be a part of The Seeing Eye, while seeing a performance by the award-winning MHS Theater next Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at 2 pm.
Educational Outreach Chairperson Carigan Mcguinn (grade 11) and Susan Mustion of the MHS Theater Parent Association organized a “pre-show” presentation before the Saturday Matinee.
“The Seeing Eye is bringing puppies and service dogs and will demonstrate commands while giving background on the organization,” says Mustion
They also contacted Media Specialists in district elementary schools, grades 3-5, and sent each of them a care package with age-appropriate books about Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, and Disability Awareness. They also sent basic American Sign Language Lesson ideas and activities for students.
Saturday’s pre-show at MHS will involve a presentation of the history of The Seeing Eye, who it serves, and how.
Puppies in training, as well as trained service dogs, will be on the property. The Seeing Eye hopes to demonstrate how owners use commands so the dogs can best guide them, while raising funds for future guide dogs.
The pre-show program is a $5 donation with proceeds going to The Seeing Eye. Tickets to the pre-show are also available on our ticket website.
Morristown High School Theatre presents The Miracle Worker on Nov. 22 at 7 pm; Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 pm (special pre-show event with The Seeing Eye at 12:30 pm) and 7 pm; and Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 pm (ASL Interpreters at this show). Tickets are still available at MHS.booktix.com. Morristown High is at 50 Early St.
Leah Frantz is a junior at Morristown High School.
