FREE Players hit the East Meadow stage

The FREE Players — a group of young adults with specialized instructional needs who are eager to share their artistic talent, enthusiasm and love of theater with the community — recently returned to the stage at W. T. Clarke High School with what East Meadow School District officials described as a show-stopping performance.

FREE stands for Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, which is the name of an organization based in Bethpage. Founded in 1977, officials said the group benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses and traumatic brain injuries. FREE’s mission, according to their website, is to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. 

The FREE Players group dedicates their energies to the arts through instruction in dance, drama, music, technical theater and more. They have visited schools in East Meadow several times in recent years.

The group performed various musical numbers, skits and songs, including Broadway hits from “Hairspray” and “Seussical,” at their most recent local show on Nov. 21. Superintendent Leon Campo said he was happy to welcome such a talented group back to East Meadow.

“This troupe is very inspirational,” he said. “They continue to be lifelong learners who push the envelope to grow and always give back to the community.”

FREE also provides other types of support to those in need, including housing, recovery services, transition-to-work, employment, day services, community and family services, respite, crisis services, education and after-school support, primary and specialty health care and advocacy. For more information about the group, officials said community members should call 516-870-7000 or visit familyres.org.