I am a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University in the school of Drama costume design department. Before coming to CMU for grad school I was the costume designer for PHAMALY (Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artisans League). During my time at CMU I've found that I miss working with disabled actors and wish to pursue that post graduation. This is what led me to the topic for the written part of my thesis. I've been leaning towards this research project since I auditioned for graduate school. One of the more interesting parts of my portfolio is the majority of shows and designs are with disabled actors. This is something that many designers will never experience in their careers.
After many interviews with different colleges, which was followed by interviews for new faculty at CMU I kept asking the same question. "Have you ever worked with a disabled actor?" The answer was generally "no," with a response every so often of, "why would they put themselves through that?" This should not be the answer when it comes to the majority of theatre designers, directors, and other theatre professionals.
At the same time I find the lack of communication and interaction with the different groups that use disabled actors to also be a major hindrance in growing this important part of the community. When I speak with members of PHAMALY they seem to think they are the only gig in the nation. They are one of the few groups that does classical works and musical theatre. They aren't in communication with any other groups.
I am looking to find out who is out there, what they know, how they do it, where they would like it to go, and perhaps along the way find where my next adventure is going to take me.
After many interviews with different colleges, which was followed by interviews for new faculty at CMU I kept asking the same question. "Have you ever worked with a disabled actor?" The answer was generally "no," with a response every so often of, "why would they put themselves through that?" This should not be the answer when it comes to the majority of theatre designers, directors, and other theatre professionals.
At the same time I find the lack of communication and interaction with the different groups that use disabled actors to also be a major hindrance in growing this important part of the community. When I speak with members of PHAMALY they seem to think they are the only gig in the nation. They are one of the few groups that does classical works and musical theatre. They aren't in communication with any other groups.
I am looking to find out who is out there, what they know, how they do it, where they would like it to go, and perhaps along the way find where my next adventure is going to take me.
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