Local teacher creates musical `Misfits'

Summerlin resident Audrey Smith had no idea her musical would catch on so quickly.

A music teacher at Lummis Elementary School, Smith has plenty of experience in dance, particularly tap, and music instruction. Only recently has she had the opportunity to create a musical that teaches kids about positive self-image and tolerance.

Currently being marketed in several Learning is Fun stores and available at libraries in Clark County, "The Halloween Misfits" has accompanying sheet music as well as a CD. Her instructional, fun performance play offers a wide variety of learning tools that teachers can use, as well as the Halloween costuming suggestions that are a kid favorite.

"It promotes a positive self-image for kids," said Smith.

Unlike other plays that were created and marketed for their performance value alone, "The Halloween Misfits" has a stronger appeal for teachers because of its classroom activities, including a creative writing exercise.

"When it's used in the classroom it can improve things like reading comprehension," she said.

The misfits are a group of Halloween characters who are different than others, but through several interactions with other characters, teach acceptance and how to view uncommon traits as assets instead of handicaps.

Smith designed the musical with the help of family and friends, with the lead vocals on the CD performed by her. Smith's son-in-law, a graphic artist, designed the cover and accompanying art, and a parent of one of Smith's students, saxophonist Tommy Thompson, aided with the background music.

She hopes the musical, which she is in the process of marketing to several grocery stores as well, will be purchased in time for Halloween.

But the most important reason Smith wants the CD to sell is for the message it brings.

The closing song of the musical sings, "No matter what you look like, short or tall, remember that you're special one and all. So please look at me and notice every day for I am very special in my very own way."


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