Tiffany Schleigh and Song Meanings Present Songs for Story Shifters November 4 at the Triad

Broadway may be dark on Mondays, but more than a dozen young performers from stage, film, and television are set to shine at the first ever Songs for Story Shifters benefit concert on Monday November 4th at Stage 72 in The Triad Theater. The concert will be presented twice, at 5:00p.m. and 7:30p.m., and proceeds from the two shows will go to Story Shifters, an education residency program providing free theater education to New York City students with autism and other learning disabilities.

Line-up includes young professionals Mallory Bechtel (Home, Fly), Amaya Braganza (Annie), Skye Alyssa Friedman (Annie), Emma Howard (Matilda), Marquise Neal (Kinky Boots), Rachel Resheff (Shrek, Mary Poppins, Billy Elliot, People in the Picture), Taylor Richardson (Annie), Julianna Rigoglioso (Mary Poppins, Far From Heaven), Laurissa "Lala" Romain (South Pacific), Brooklyn Shuck (Annie), Lina Silver (Happiness, Shakespeare in the Park), Mavis Simpson-Ernst (Evita, Les Miserables), Sadie Sink (Annie, Tuck Everlasting), Emerson Steele (Violet), as well as new rising stars from around the country: Jaron Cole, Lauren Dodds, Lauren Echausse, Ali Giordano, Elise Pakiela, and Sophie Thatcher. The evening is hosted by Tyrah Skye Odoms (Annie) and Steven Strafford (Spamalot).

Story Shifters program is specifically designed for students with medical, physical, and neurological impairments, including students on the autism spectrum and students with special needs. Kimberly Strafford, Director of Education and Outreach for kef theatrical productions, believes that Story Shifters can not only help keep arts in the classroom, but can also help some students find their voice.

"What Story Shifters does, is level the playing field for a population that cannot always tell their own stories. At the same time, I really believe it helps to empower some to change the narrative of their lives. Everyone, no matter who they are, where they live, or how they communicate, deserves the right to play, create, and share," Strafford said.

Tickets are available at stage72.com.