people with disabilities in theatre
Wed, 10 Apr 2002, 03:54 pmWalter Plinge5 posts in thread
people with disabilities in theatre
Wed, 10 Apr 2002, 03:54 pmHi All,
I have a child with Down's Syndrome who is crazy about theatre, and in particular musicals. His speech isn't good, ( after you spend time with him you can understand odd words, spend a long time with him and you can understand sentences ) but his expression is very good. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has had experience with people with disabilities in the theatre, as I would like to involve "Bryn" in some way, in the near future.
regards
Martin
I have a child with Down's Syndrome who is crazy about theatre, and in particular musicals. His speech isn't good, ( after you spend time with him you can understand odd words, spend a long time with him and you can understand sentences ) but his expression is very good. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has had experience with people with disabilities in the theatre, as I would like to involve "Bryn" in some way, in the near future.
regards
Martin
Re: people with disabilities in theatre
Thu, 11 Apr 2002, 06:27 amHi Martin
I'll echo Amanda's comments regarding your son's potential and particularly her point about considering introducing your son to a supportive mainstream community theatre group.
Since starting with Theatre of Difference in 1985 i've worked, on and off, with a broad range of peple with disabilities, and in particular people with Down Syndrome. In my experience they share the same joy and excitement that many others draw from the opportunities performing presents. I've seen parents, siblings and work colleagues astonished by stage performances they never would have dreamt possible. You're probably already aware of the boost to self esteem that accompanies this kind of admiration.
I've not found DAADA(WA) anywhere near as useful as it should be. One of my criticisms to DAADA(WA) board members over several years has been that the organisation could serve its members far better by providing more of a coordinating role within the state, raising awareness of the breadth of opportunities for people with disabilities to involve themselves in the arts and advocating more in the community for the involvement of people with disabilities - rather than pushing the commercial barrow of it's own classes, courses and performances. In my experience, DAADA(WA) has had a poor knowledge of opportunities in the community available for people with disabilities beyond the services it provides.
So if you find DAADA(WA) don't offer something in your area, their classes are too expensive or don't match your son's needs, shop around! There are many small groups around Perth that will provide a supportive environment within which your son can realise much of his potential. If you're not too far out of the metro area, a call to Recreation Network (http://rec.net.au/) - a FREE leisure counselling and referral service - could point you in the direction of opportunties close to home that may be suitable for your son.
Cheers
Grant
[%sig%]
I'll echo Amanda's comments regarding your son's potential and particularly her point about considering introducing your son to a supportive mainstream community theatre group.
Since starting with Theatre of Difference in 1985 i've worked, on and off, with a broad range of peple with disabilities, and in particular people with Down Syndrome. In my experience they share the same joy and excitement that many others draw from the opportunities performing presents. I've seen parents, siblings and work colleagues astonished by stage performances they never would have dreamt possible. You're probably already aware of the boost to self esteem that accompanies this kind of admiration.
I've not found DAADA(WA) anywhere near as useful as it should be. One of my criticisms to DAADA(WA) board members over several years has been that the organisation could serve its members far better by providing more of a coordinating role within the state, raising awareness of the breadth of opportunities for people with disabilities to involve themselves in the arts and advocating more in the community for the involvement of people with disabilities - rather than pushing the commercial barrow of it's own classes, courses and performances. In my experience, DAADA(WA) has had a poor knowledge of opportunities in the community available for people with disabilities beyond the services it provides.
So if you find DAADA(WA) don't offer something in your area, their classes are too expensive or don't match your son's needs, shop around! There are many small groups around Perth that will provide a supportive environment within which your son can realise much of his potential. If you're not too far out of the metro area, a call to Recreation Network (http://rec.net.au/) - a FREE leisure counselling and referral service - could point you in the direction of opportunties close to home that may be suitable for your son.
Cheers
Grant
[%sig%]