In honor of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will hold its first virtual Barrier-Free Theatre performance. The virtual performance, titled A Hero’s Heart, will be free to the public and held at 6 p.m. on March 6 and at 2 p.m. on March 7 via Zoom. A link to the Zoom event will be sent directly to participants the morning of the event and after their ticket is reserved.
Barrier-Free Theatre is a drama therapy intervention in which participants with and without disabilities work together to write and act in their own production. Barrier-Free Theatre empowers participants, increases self-confidence and improves self-awareness. It also creates a positive, inclusive, creative environment.
Preparation for this performance, originally scheduled to be performed in March 2020, began in August 2019. The cast, which comprises 16 individuals, worked together to develop the original concept and script for the performance. The topics explored in this year’s performance include bullying, acceptance, and the idea that we’re all heroes of our own story.
“This has been an exciting and beautiful process with our cast, especially as we have also worked through postponing the show and ultimately deciding to perform virtually,” said Michelle Yadon, CCPR Recreation Services Manager, Registered Drama Therapist and show cast member. “The performance explores difficult topics like the bullying and judgment some cast members have experienced because of their disabilities, but we also explore strength, identity and character.”
Yadon continued, “At Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation we strive to include all and I believe the story we’re telling this year in celebration of Developmental Disability Awareness Month truly showcases the importance of that within and beyond our organization. One benefit of performing virtually is that we can now reach an even wider audience. We hope folks will join from far and wide to enjoy this year’s performance!”
This year’s performances are sponsored by the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities as well as Legacy Insurance Enterprises. The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities is sponsoring all tickets as well as an American Sign Language interpreter and CART services for both shows.
Only one ticket is needed per device. Once reserved, ticket holders will receive a link to the performance the day of the show. Click here to reserve your ticket.
For more information about Barrier-Free Theatre or adaptive programming, contact CCPR Inclusion Program Supervisor Katie Smith at ksmith@carmelclayparks.com.