Dessert Theatre Fundraiser

On May 9, 2026 at 6pm we will host our first New Horizons Dessert Theatre Fundraiser. You can buy tickets to the event here. In addition to New Horizon's performing, we will also have raffles and a Silent Auction. In the weeks leading up to the event we are encouraging our New Horizon's community to help us raise funds through a peer to peer donation campaign. You likely found this page because someone you know that is connected to the program shared it with you. We hope that you will take a moment to read about the program and consider making a donation. For the last 13 years this program has been held free of charge. Your support will help us continue the program into the future. If you can't attend our event on May 9th, please consider a donation.

What is New Horizons?

New Horizons is a musical theatre performance group comprised of members ages 16+ with disabilities (ie. down’s syndrome, autism, mild cognitive disability, ect.). Led by an occupational therapist with a background in musical theatre, the program promotes social engagement and works on building social skills in the context of working on a musical production. This provides the perfect social environment to work as a team, build friends, and in the process build self-esteem and confidence.

Over the past 13 years, New Horizons has continued to expand. The program grew out of a collaboration between Loyola University’s Speech and Language Pathology program, HCPSS, and CCTA. CCTA has kept the program alive and it has grown to more than a class, but a community. A community that provides friendship, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging. Our New Horizons community extends beyond the participants - it also includes the parents/caregivers. One of the parents shared that, “New Horizons has been an outstanding experience. She loves musical theatre and performing, and New Horizons gives her a supportive and fund environment to engage in her passion…” New Horizons meet one night a week and due to high community interest (35+ participants), there are currently 2 classes that rehearse consecutively for 50 minutes each.

New Horizons Dessert Theatre 2026

By Columbia Center For Theatrical Arts

New Horizons Dessert Theatre 2026

Team Leaderboard

Team Members