Students bridge gaps through theater

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Matthew Belopavlovich is helping kids from different learning backgrounds learn about arts, together.  Patel Conservatory's home-school students and students from Pepin Academy gather for a new program called Broadway Buddies.

"It’s a theater appreciation class that allows you to both perform and to go out and see theater with some great friends,” explained Belopavlovich, who runs the program.

Home-schoolers from Patel's theater class go to Pepin to work on production techniques with children with learning disabilities.  

"It’s a lot of fun," said Patel student Sofia Pickford. "I met a lot of new people that are really cool that I never would have without this program."

"At first I was a little intimidated, to be honest,” said Pepin student Gabriel Caraballo.  “But then I get used to it and I'm liking coming here."   

This unique partnership inspires an appreciation for the arts and perhaps a lasting bond: The group will be going to theater shows and other outings together.