Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — May 8, 2025 — Abilities Unlimited adult special needs clients showed off their talents Thursday during the Foundation of Arts’s annual Spring LEAP Showcase at the Forum Theater.
This year’s free performance, “Once Upon a Rhyme,” featured musical performances sprinkled throughout classic tales, including “The Three Little Pigs,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and “Sleeping Beauty.” The stage performances were followed by a brief art reception and free frozen treats from the Jonesboro Media Group (JMG).
FOA executive director Stephanie Epps expressed her excitement after the show at the large turnout for this year’s showcase.
“This is a testament that being a part of the arts is not specific to any one demographic, that anyone can come and their quality of life can be enriched by being part of the arts,” Epps said. “To just see the confidence and the fun and just the all-around good time that they’re having as part of this programming is really, really heartwarming.”
The LEAP (Learning Expression through Arts Programming) is a FOA outreach program designed for the adult clients of Abilities Unlimited, consisting of weekly art and drama classes, in which AU clients use their creativity as they learn new skills and express themselves.
JMG sponsored this year’s event.
JMG on-air talent Phil Jamison said it was amazing to see Abilities Unlimited’s clients in the spotlight for a moment.
“I would argue that they are not in the spotlight, but that they are the spotlight,” he said. “A bright light that reminds us that we can reach our goals. We can reach our dreams. Even when life gives you some hurdles, you’re able to overcome and you’ll see that here today on this stage. It’s amazing, their amazing, the Foundation of Arts and Abilities Unlimited is amazing.”
To learn more about the LEAP program, visit the Foundation of Arts website or email Meridith Pierce at meridith@foajonesboro.org.