The following was submitted by CVNQuinte
On March 15, Belleville’s Empire Theatre will host Twist and Shout, a vibrant, five-star production by the world-renowned Famous PEOPLE Players. This unforgettable evening of magic, music, and inclusion will support CVNQuinte (Community Visions & Networking Quinte).
Anchoring the ‘Services with a Twist’ fundraising theatre event is the launch of a new CVNQuinte ADVENTURES service. This service will provide unique, person-centred experiences to those living with developmental disabilities. Through the themed retreats, CVNQuinte ADVENTURES will deliver one-of-a-kind experiences that will have a lasting impact, transform lives, and strengthen community ties.
“We’re thrilled to bring this extraordinary performance to Belleville,” says Terri Korkush, Executive Director of CVNQuinte. “It’s more than just a night of theatre—it’s a celebration of abilities, community, and the shared goal of building a more inclusive future.”
Famous People Players Founder Diane Dupuy describes the magic of their performances: “When I founded the company, I chose a technique called black-light in which you don’t see the players. That was because we were not allowed to be integrated into society. So we had to hide. We’ve kept that because it’s part of our history.”
The Cause
Proceeds from Twist and Shout will directly support CVNQuinte’s mission to empower adults living with developmental disabilities in the Quinte Region. Central to this effort is the launch of CVNQuinte ADVENTURES, an innovative program designed to provide personalized and themed
retreat experiences. These retreats—ranging from fishing trips to crafting workshops and food tours—are tailored to the interests and needs of participants, breaking away from the traditional “one-size-fits-most” model of support.
About Famous PEOPLE Players
Famous PEOPLE Players, an internationally acclaimed black-light puppetry theatre based in Toronto, features a talented cast, most of whom are people living with developmental disabilities. For over 50 years, they have redefined perceptions of ability and captivated audiences worldwide.
Founder Diane Dupuy recalls how this unique art form came to be for Famous PEOPLE Players. “I remember back in those days, a young man who lived in a room with a towel over his mirror because he couldn’t look at himself. He was born with a deformed face; he had a very large head that was a deep gray colour. And to see him stand on stage with Liberace on Broadway and get those rave critic reviews, you know, it blew my mind. It made me cry.”
Get Involved
Tickets for Famous People Players Twist and Shout are now available on the Empire Theatre’s website. Seats are limited, and only two shows are available: 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on March 15.
Here are other ways to support the Services with a Twist fundraiser:
- Event Sponsorship Packages: Showcase your business or organization by sponsoring this inspiring event.
- Direct Donations: Every contribution helps CVNQuinte launch the CVNQuinte ADVENTURES program, providing life-changing experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.
- In-Kind Contributions: Support the themed retreats with items such as restaurant gift cards, event tickets, or unique experiences for participants.
- By contributing, you will play a vital role in helping CVNQuinte deliver innovative services that foster personal growth, social connection, and inclusion.
