MAKING MY PROGRAM AS ACCESSIBLE AS POSSIBLE

It’s no secret that in recent years professional theater companies are (finally) starting to make an effort to make their shows and theatre spaces accessible. But what does that mean for theater in educational settings? And what is “access” anyway? Come discuss concerns and share solutions to making your class and your productions inviting and inclusive to ALL students, including those with disabilities so that you can indeed stage the change both in the audience and on the stage.

Presented by

Lisa Dennett is the founder/director of Interactive Drama for Education and Awareness in the Schools (I.D.E.A.S.) She earned a specialized Masters degree from New York University, using drama for people with disabilities. She is founding co-chair of the Arts in Special Education Consortium and a current member of the Steering Committee.  Ms. Dennett is also a past NYC chapter president of the NY State Theater Education Association, has worked as a consultant with VSArts in Washington, DC and is a nationally certified Sign Language Interpreter. In recent years she has refocused back to performing as an actress and singer and has been performing steadily.  www.LisaDennett.com 

I.D.E.A.S

I.D.E.A.S. – Interactive Drama for Education and Awareness in the Schools - serves youth with disabilities as well as other disadvantages, ages 5-21.  They do this with Creative Drama and Sociodrama residencies which focus on the individual and take place at partner sites: schools, libraries, community centers, group homes, etc. Activities emphasize respect and cooperation and are a catalyst for personal growth, development and learning. We aim to provide an avenue where students can exercise creativity, self-expression, and risk-taking while learning about themselves and others. We also have workshops for adults. I.D.E.A.S. was recognized in 2011 by the NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities for using drama as a teaching and learning tool with students with disabilities.   www.IDEASdrama.org
Stage the Change is co-sponsored by Stage the Change, Inc.
The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and Hauppauge Public Schools.
Stage the Change programs are made possible with funds from the
Arts Reach Fund at The New York Community Trust, Long Island; The New York Community Trust 
and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the
​Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
This work is supported by Long Island Grants for the Arts through funds provided by the office of the Governor and the
New York State Legislature, and administered by The Huntington Arts Council. 
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