Press release:
The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Public Charity,
Hosts Monthly Birthday Magic at its Little TheatreThe Vanishing Wheelchair will be hosting “Birthday Magic” the last Saturday of each month at 3 p.m. at its Little Theatre at 175 Weaverville Highway, Suite K in Asheville starting on April 30. The forty-five minute children’s show will cater to those celebrating their birthday that month. General admission is only $5 a person – proceeds benefit the nonprofit.
“Birthday Magic” is an exciting show based around audience participation, from getting children to yell out the magic word, or acting as an onstage assistant to magician Wendal Wandell. “With music, magic and a touch of mayhem, children of all ages (that means adults too),” Wendal states with a twinkle in his eye, “will enjoy the show.”
Wandell is the stage name for T.J. Shimeld, president and co-founder of The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity which uses the performing arts to help people with disabilities find their passion in life. Shimeld has been performing professionally since age eleven from birthday parties to festivals, theme parks to educational school assembly programs, and to a large stage production in Massachusetts. “My shows,” Shimeld explains, “just like my non-profit, have always focused on inspiring people to discover their best selves.”
Sharing inspirational stories is what The Vanishing Wheelchair is all about. The first phase of the non-profit’s mission was the publication of founder, magician and magic shop owner Ricky D. Boone’s biography The Four-foot Giant and the Vanishing Wheelchair. Boone’s shop, Magic Central, is right next door to The Vanishing Wheelchair’s Little Theatre. Show patrons are invited to explore the wonders within before or after the show.
The Vanishing Wheelchair has used the proceeds from their shows to launch “All Things Possible” to teach skills in performing, painting, photography, music, crafts, writing and woodworking to people with disabilities. These workshops are available to other nonprofits to share with their clientele. The 175 Weaverville Highway location also hosts these workshops. Its ultimate goal is to establish a universally accessible hands-on museum for children to explore the arts and sciences at which people with disabilities can work and continue to learn these skills.
Come enjoy the magic and help support The Vanishing Wheelchair on April 30. Tickets may be available at the door, but advanced reservations are strongly encouraged since seating is limited. Purchase tickets online at www.VanishingWheelchair.org, or contact Magic Central, 175 Weaverville Highway, Suite L, Asheville, North Carolina 28804, or call (828) 645-2941.
For more information, contact T.J. Shimeld at tjshimeld@gmail.com, 1129 Allman Ridge Road, Morganton, North Carolina 28655 or call 828-391-6965.
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