Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) offers a variety of services to support individuals with disabilities and ensure their success in the workplace. One service for individuals referred to WOU by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is an adult work experience, also known as a WEXA, which connects the individual with a local business for a 12-week internship. WOU client Street sought a job in the entertainment industry, so the WOU team helped secure him a WEXA at the Fulton Theatre to gain skills and help him prepare for future employment!
Emma Samardzic, Career Resource Specialist on the Harrisburg, PA team, learned all about Street’s skills, interests, and career goals when he was referred to WOU in September 2025. Street had dreams of working in entertainment, perhaps as an actor or costume designer. Emma shares, “Street came to WOU with passion and purpose. He had cultivated a name in the community through his dedication to the arts; Street cosplays as Disney characters and performs at parties, as well as attending and participating in various entertainment opportunities throughout Lancaster. Although Street’s interests were clear, gaining hard skills within a theatre environment was an important milestone to reach before Street could obtain employment. This goal was a perfect match for a WEXA.”
L to R: Moses Hawley and Street
As Emma searched for a business that would partner with WOU for Street’s WEXA, she reached out to the Fulton Theatre, a national historic landmark in downtown Lancaster that has entertained, educated, and delighted audiences since 1852. Street was familiar with the Fulton, as he had attended shows and gone to character meet-and-greet events there. Emma spoke with Kathy Becker, the Fulton’s Education and Events Manager, who was warm, welcoming, and passionate about connecting Street to a wide range of theatre opportunities. Street officially began his WEXA in November 2025, when the Fulton’s shows appealed most to him, like Elf: The Musical. He was excited to begin his work experience at the Fulton, but also anxious to do a good job. Luckily, Street had a strong team behind him to provide support and encouragement. Emma is a mentor for Career Resource Specialist Moses Hawley, who provided onsite support to Street – his first direct client. With Moses by his side under Emma’s guidance, and Kathy’s clear direction on tasks, Street was ready to dive in to his WEXA and gain marketable skills.
One of Street’s first responsibilities at the Fulton Theatre was organizing youth activities, including selecting books for performers to read. Emma says, “Kathy asked Street to choose some Christmas or winter-themed books from their library and then present why he thinks the children might enjoy them.” Street also thought of fun actions that corresponded with the story, like stomping through the snow, that the audience could do to keep active while listening. Later, Street tried ushering and greeting during performances, working with Moses to develop a “script” for greeting people and pointing out the restrooms or concessions. Moses demonstrated safe lifting techniques for Street on days where he would help with physical tasks like taking down sets. Street utilized his excellent computer skills and attention to detail while reviewing scripts for errors, transcribing scripts, and creating open captioning for audiences attending live shows. He provided feedback on sensory disturbances in scripts that might be difficult for children and neurodivergent viewers to tolerate, and he reviewed shows and catalogued theatre books, as well. In between assignments, Kathy provided Street the opportunity to watch productions and meet the actors. Street was enthusiastic about all tasks, but Emma says, “I think he lit up the most when he was problem-solving and planning to help with the children’s shows specifically, as he really likes putting himself in the shoes of the target audience.” Moses adds, “Any task that Street knows will be of service to someone else is very motivating for him.”
Street has gained many skills and a sense of confidence from his work experience at the Fulton Theatre. He has always been goal-oriented and able to complete tasks independently, but at the start of his WEXA, Street relied on Moses to provide verbal explanations to help him understand tasks thoroughly. Now Street is more comfortable in his abilities. Moses shares, “Street has come to be more motivated over his time working at the Fulton, and has learned many new ways to express himself, including his favorite phrase at this point: ‘We will cross that bridge when we get there.’ Along those lines, Street has increased his ability to proceed without knowing details of all parts of a process, instead focusing on what he does/can know.” Street has proven to be open to feedback and willing to learn new things, important skills for competitive employment. His social skills have also increased; he interacts very positively with the friendly staff at the Fulton, who all look forward to seeing Street each day. With the help of his WEXA at the Fulton Theatre and support from WOU, Street has gained tangible experiences, a new skillset, and professional references that will serve him in his employment journey. WOU is excited for your future, Street!
