Creating Theatre for Audiences that are Neurodiverse- with Dionne O'Dell

The Drama Book Shop presents, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, The Sense-Ability Ensemble's Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences that are Neurodiverse, A talkback, signing and live podcast recording. The event will be moderated by Joel Guzman, and will also be joined by Founding Artists, Ryan Duda and Evan Phillips.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Sense-Ability Ensemble’s Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences That Are Neurodiverse is a practical guide that explores how to create theatre for audiences that are neurodiverse. The book explores the journey of the Sense-Ability Ensemble in its quest to create theatre from the ground up for audiences that are neurodiverse. It demonstrates how to embark on this work and move from a sensory friendly model that adapts work to make it inclusive, to designing work that is created with this specific audience in mind. This is accomplished through highlighting recommended practices such as using live music, puppetry, one on one audience member/actor interaction, exploring design considerations, sensory engagement, length, actor/staff training, non-linear storytelling, the use of social narratives, and partnering with special education and occupational therapy professionals. It also offers practical suggestions for touring this theatre model, providing sample forms and methods of communication.

Part case study, part how-to guide, this book will be of interest to theatre educators, practitioners, and students enrolled in courses on Children’s Theatre, Devising, Applied Theatre, Theatre for Young Audiences, and Drama in Education.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dionne O'Dell is an academic specialist/faculty in the Department of Theatre at Michigan State University (MSU), where she specializes in writing and directing plays for youth and community. Previously, Dionne was the associate director of education at Lincoln Center Theater in New York City. Although primarily interested in writing plays with a social justice focus (most recently, Phosphates and Fistfights), in February 2010 her short film script Dreadful Sorry (a ghost story) was awarded a $100,000 grant by the South Carolina Film Commission and played to short film festivals around the USA. A proud member of the Actors Equity Association, she has also worked as a performer in regional theatre productions, industrial films, and television commercials. Dionne is also the artistic director of the MSU Sense-Ability Ensemble―a group that creates innovative, multi-sensory, interactive theatrical performances for audiences that are neurodiverse. The ensemble’s most recent production, What if Wilhelmina, is a musical adaptation of the children’s book of the same title, created by author and illustrator Joseph Belisle. Dionne is also a member of the Dramatists Guild.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

Joel Guzmán

Joel Guzmán is an actor, writer, director, and arts & culture manager. He is currently the Community Engagement Manager for IndieSpace, NYC.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS

Ryan Duda

Ryan Duda is a Sense-Ability Ensemble Founding Artist and is currently employed by the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Ryan is a contributing author to The Sense-Ability Ensemble’s Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences that are Neurodiverse.

Evan Hill Phillips

Evan Hill Phillips is a Sense-Ability Ensemble Founding Artist and is currently a Resident Artist with the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA. Evan is a contributing author to The Sense-Ability Ensemble’s Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences that are Neurodiverse.

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Please note that the purchase of The Sense-Ability Ensemble's Guide to Creating Theatre for Audiences that are Neurodiverse, ($48.99) is required for entry.

Upon arrival, our team will direct you to the register to obtain your copy and complete your admission.

The store will begin welcoming guests at 7:15 pm.

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