The B.E.S.T. Network is a network of non-profit and for profit programs designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities through participation in performing and visual arts. All programs are designed to bring about social changes and inclusion by bringing people with and without disabilities together to work on performing arts projects. We believe in quality of life for all people through inclusion in all areas as dictated by their preferred lifestyle. People with disabilities have been denied access to performing arts due to physical and social barriers. We seek means and methods of creating ways for them to be included and shine on the stage of life. Our definition of theater is in the broader sense, in that it is “an area in which something happens”. We are proactive in causing changes to happen in our communities by bringing people with disabilities to the forefront on the greater stage of life. BEYOND THE EVENING STAR THEATER Beyond the Evening Star Theater (original program) is a non-profit, diversitydriven performing arts program for young adults with and without disabilities, which has emphasis on creating communities of kindness and inclusion through joint participation in the arts. We have developed age appropriate programs for all ages and abilities. Our History The B.E.S.T. Network was started in August of 2002 as the result of the dreams of a young woman with Down syndrome to be on stage and the determination of her mother to make it happen. Marlene Wagnon is the program founder and CCO (Chief Creative Officer), while her daughter Audrey takes the lead role of Ambassador to the programs. Audrey is a young woman with Down syndrome. In developing a personcentered plan for Audrey, when asked what she would like to purse for employment opportunities, she consistently said, “I want to be on stage as a professional singer, dancer, dance teacher, actor, writer, and lawyer.” Her experiences through the B.E.S.T. Network have helped her realize all but the dream of becoming a lawyer. Marlene searched for organizations or theater operations that might incorporate young adults with disabilities but came up empty-handed. In talking to other parents of young adults with disabilities who had the same desires, Marlene decided to explore possibilities to make the dream come true for many. Marlene began networking and calling on people and organizations that she thought would be supportive of the idea of bringing performing arts opportunities to people with disabilities. Each call resulted in a list of referrals and more people to contact. She began looking for choreographers at local high school and college campuses. These “typical” young adults would become peer/mentors to young adults with disabilities. This resulted in opportunities to bring young adults with and without disabilities together to break down social barriers, causing acceptance and full inclusion. Because of the ground-breaking nature of the program, the first three years were spent in research and development of a quality program. The program is evolving and meeting the needs of the individuals in more ways than were originally anticipated. What began as an experience in the performing arts has become a vehicle for creating major change and phenomenal growth in the lives of young adults with disabilities in the areas of life skills, job skills, and social skills. These are the three main areas addressed by any transitional program. Three troupe members began practicing in August of 2002 and by October, of the same year, they were performing for the local Down Syndrome Guild Buddy Walk at Arrowhead Stadium, in front 3,500 people. Since that time they have performed for conferences, conventions, business meetings, schools, churches, special events, and other venues. In December of 2005, they performed at their own concert to an audience of 250. The total number of people that have been impacted through attending a performance through April 2006 is 42,753.