Ridgefield’s Prospector Theater Invites “Cups” Fans to Make Beautiful (A Cappella) Music Together Thursday at 6:00 pm
Clapping & Tapping (Our Cups) Together Prior to “Pitch Perfect 2" on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 6:00pm
Learning, Performing & Sharing “The Cup Song” Showcases the Coaching and Training Programs Offered Disabled Employees of The Prospector
Clap, clap. Tap. Clap. Tap. No, it’s not a variation on “Morse code.” Instead, it’s the sound of a viral phenomenon that helped make the 2012 film “Pitch Perfect” one of the most successful musical comedies ever. The film tells the story of a young women’s a cappella singing group, the Barden Bellas, engaged in fierce competition for a national championship. When the film’s main character, Beca Mitchell (Anne Kendrick), auditions for a spot in the group, she sings a version of the 1930’s country song “When I’m Gone” accompanied only by her own hand claps and the tapping of a plastic cup. After the film’s release, an expanded version of Kendrick’s song held a spot on Billboard magazine’s “Hot 100” chart for nearly three months and inspired nearly half a million downloads according to Nielsen Soundscan. On Thursday, May 14 at 6:00pm, Ridgefield’s Prospector Theater is inviting everyone to come add his or her own clapping and cup tapping to a live performance of “The Cups Song,” followed by a 7:00pm screening of “Pitch Perfect 2.” (There is no charge to participate in this community performance of “The Cups Song,” and tickets to “Pitch Perfect 2” are $9.00 for children and seniors and $11.00 for adults.)
The popularity of “The Cup Song” in “Pitch Perfect,” and the short (one-minute) song on the soundtrack album, led to the creation of an expanded version of the song and a music video featuring Anna Kendrick. This expanded version of the song has been viewed nearly 200 million times on Vevo and YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8
Anna Kendrick said that she first became aware of “The Cups Song” in 2011, when she discovered a popular video on the website Reddit of a young lady by the name of Anna Burden performing a version of “When I’m Gone,” using only a plastic cup for percussion. Watching this video countless times, Kendrick taught herself the rhythmic sequence of hand claps and cup taps, and when “Pitch Perfect” director Jason Moore saw her perform “The Cup Song,” he was inspired to feature it in the film.
In recent weeks, many of The Prospector’s staff members (known as Prospects) have taught themselves “The Cup Song,” and are eager to teach it to others. Those curious about what to expect at the May 14th “community music class” may enjoy watching a video recently filmed at The Prospector, featuring a well-synchronized performance of the song by a group of Prospects.
As those who have visited The Prospector have discovered, there’s a lot more to be found at Ridgefield’s beautiful new theater. In addition to employment, the theater’s Prospects benefit from a variety of coaching and training programs, all designed to provide them with a promising future for life and work in the years to come. With that in mind, teaching Prospects how to perform “The Cup Song” provides an opportunity to develop soft skills – fine motor skills, tempo, rhythm, and coordination. While having fun learning “The Cup Song,” Prospects are also stimulating neurological pathways required for these soft skills, and preparing themselves for future careers and employment.
Lauren Bonistalli, a member of the theater’s team of teachers and trainers, has played an integral role in teaching Prospects “The Cup Song.” Thanks to Lauren’s direction and instruction, Prospects are learning how to step out of their comfort zone to experience something new and exciting. The result of her teaching and training – and the Prospects’ dedication to learning – can be seen in the latest video from The Prospector, a spirited performance of “The Cup Song.” The Prospector’s founder Valerie Jensen often refers to the “sparkle” of each and every Prospect – and in this video that quality truly shines through.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=475rWTY37tY
This event is a great example of the numerous fun activities hosted by The Prospector Theater during its first year of operation. Above all, of course, the theater is a place where audiences and staff alike come together to celebrate their love of the movies. From the kind of buttered popcorn that vanished from chain multiplex theaters years ago to the state-of-the-art projection technology and luxurious seats, every facet of the movie-going experience has been designed for maximum enjoyment. Since opening, The Prospector has provided jobs for more than 80 individuals, a majority of whom have disabilities. In addition to opportunities for gainful employment, the theater’s staff members also benefit from coaching and training in a variety of fields ranging from food service to graphic design. Earlier this year, in recognition of its role as a model for the benefits that come from hiring dedicated, capable and enthusiastic workers regardless of so-called “disabilities,” The Prospector was featured on The NBC Nightly News – a story that drew an enthusiastic response from thousands of viewers in all 50 states.
For more information about The Prospector Theater, visit:
http://www.prospectortheater.org
To see the NBC Nightly News story about The Prospector Theater, visit:
http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/making-a-difference/movie-theater-mission-employing-disabled-n313021
