"Seussical Jr." at Bethlehem middle school showcases students of all kinds

by Clarie Hughes from TimesUnion:

Emma Farman doesn't have any lines in "Seussical Jr.," a musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss being staged this weekend at Bethlehem Middle School.

The eighth-grader's role as a mime is critical, however, as she silently draws other characters into her scene in the second act. Director Lindsay Dashew didn't cut her any slack during auditions, she said. No matter that the 14-year-old has Down syndrome.
"She earned her spot in the cast," Dashew said.
Just like everyone else. Just like Emma and her family like it.
Emma's onstage role in her school play may seem striking to an outsider. But at Bethlehem Middle School it's natural, parents of special needs children said before Saturday's matinee. The play was chosen for the number of roles — 65 students have parts — with an eye to getting maximum involvement among all the kids, Dashew said. There are 40-some backstage jobs.

Take an unexpected journey with Up Down Boy

by Jill Harding from the Salisbury Journal:
DESPITE the visions of a seaside clairvoyant, mother-of-six and former school bus driver Sue Shields never dreamed she would become a writer, let alone one whose work is being performed on a London stage.
But Shields’ emotive play Up Down Boy, which tells the story of raising her son Nathan Bessell, who has Down’s syndrome, was so successful after it premiered at Salisbury Playhouse last year that went to the National Theatre, and is now coming back to Salisbury as part of a second nationwide tour.
Up Down Boy emerged from a series of text messages that Shields sent to Heather Williams, who ran the youth drama group Nathan attended.
Her messages, which gave an insight into the trials and joys of bringing up a child with Down’s syndrome, sparked an idea in Williams’ head.
“Sue was witty and quick – the messages might have been about when she was picking Nathan up but they always gave a glimpse of what her life was like and I thought that could work well as a play,” said Williams.
“It had to be something Sue wrote herself as it was her story. But I knew it would appeal to a wider audience and not only people who have a learning disabled child.”

UK Theatre Review: Up Down Boy

Up Down Boy by Sue Shields and the Myrtle Theatre is coming to theNormansfield Theatre Teddington on Saturday 9 November at 7.30pm.

Booking: 0333 1212 300 or lesley.alabaf@downs-syndrome.org.uk

Review by Hayley Goleniowska, mum and author of award-winning blog Downs Side Up

Every once in a while an experience shifts 
the tectonic plates of your soul. 
Powerless to stop the raw emotions held beneath, 
they flow forth and you have no choice but to face them, 
accept and deal with them before filing them away 
and carrying on your life, a little bit wiser.

Watching the breathtakingly powerful Myrtle Theatre play Up Down Boy by Sue Shields was, for me, such a moment. For in one hour it condensed, amalgamated and highlighted all the challenges and worries of parenting a child with Down’s syndrome and made me smile and laugh aloud at the lessons we learn, the silver linings and the eccentricities that make our worlds so wonderfully unique.

Sue crafted the play together with her son Nathan Bessell who plays Matty, a teenager with Down syndrome. We watch as he and his mother Odette, perfectly portrayed by Heather Williams, prepare for him to leave for college.

Playgrounds For Everyone: A community-edited guide to accessible playgrounds

from NPR:

A community-edited guide to accessible playgrounds. So far, we've identified 1,525. Help us find more!

On Your Smartphone: Visit npr.org/playgrounds

Why Accessible Playgrounds?

Because kids in wheelchairs can't play on playgrounds covered with wood chips. And children with muscular disabilities can fall out of swings that lack sides and backs. Or a child with vision or hearing problems can benefit from equipment specially designed for play alongside friends, siblings or any other child.

New federal requirements define playground accessibility as a civil right. And under those rules, playgrounds built or altered after March 14, 2012, are required to have wheelchair-friendly surfaces and equipment that helps kids with physical challenges move around.

Want to know more? Read our story.

You Can Help!

A comprehensive database of inclusive and accessible playgrounds does not yet exist, but you can help us create one.

1. 1 Go to your playground. Does it have any of the features listed below?
2. 2 Search to see if we have it listed. (See "Find An Accessible Playground" at the top of this page.)
3. 3 Add your playground, or edit to add missing information.

Race, family and Down syndrome under the big lights

by Leroy Moore from Krip-Hop Nation:Krip-Hop Nation: This is the first time Krip-Hop Nation has had a chance to talk about a play on Down syndrome starring an all-Black cast. Tell us why do you think people need to see “Then You Stand”?
Yvonne Pierre: First, thank you for taking the time and interest to interview me about “Then You Stand.” I personally believe everyone will take something different away from this production whether they have a child with special needs or not. What I hope people walk away with is the feeling that no matter what they face in life, they can and will rise above it. There’s always a bigger plan and in the midst of that we must stand.
My youngest of two sons was diagnosed with Down syndrome. I’ve been advocating through projects for over seven years. Although it’s an all-Black cast, this is a production that anyone will be able to relate to.
KHN: This is your first play. Tell us how you got into this field and will you do other plays in the future?
Yvonne Pierre: Several years ago, I met a woman named Glenifer Wade during a time when I was working on a documentary. Prior to meeting her, I studied script writing for several years. She had a local TV show called “Extraordinary People” here in Atlanta, Georgia. We became very close friends and would work on each other’s projects.
She was very passionate about her show, as well as poetry and stage plays. During that time, my passion and focus was on developing films and books. This was around 2006, and I was in the process of working on a production that included dance, singing and speakers on the topic of Down syndrome. I began to work with her on a stage play and helped her develop a working script.
She was impressed with my work and encouraged me to do my own play after we finished hers. As I began to help her produce and direct her production, the bug bit me. In March of 2011, while we were preparing to produce her play, Glenifer passed away. Several months after her death, the inspiration to do “Then You Stand” came to me and I immediately began to develop this vision and put it into motion. I loved it. Will I do more in the future? Although I don’t have anything planned right now, I absolutely plan to do more productions in the future.

What I hope people walk away with is the feeling that no matter what they face in life, they can and will rise above it. There’s always a bigger plan and in the midst of that we must stand.

KHN: “Then You Stand” has music in between scenes. Tell us the reason why you added live music and how did it fit with the story?
Yvonne Pierre: I love words, music and dance and find them to be the most powerful forms of expression. The intention was to have each performance extend the emotion of the scene. For example, in the first scene of “Then You Stand,” the main character, Mona, finds out that her unborn child has Down syndrome. The Master’s Mime then dances after the scene, performing to the Yolanda Adams song “Open My Heart.” The dance and music carries out the emotions expressed in each scene.
KHN: I know you are a mother of a son who has Down syndrome; however, did you work with people with Down syndrome in creating this play. If not, have you or will you work with people with disabilities on the stage?
Yvonne Pierre: The primary focus for “Then You Stand” is the parenting side of having a child with special needs. Over the years, I’ve spoken to many parents as well as read comments and posts by parents who are struggling to cope with having a child with special needs. Most of my work up until this point has been geared towards empowering parents. If a parent doesn’t believe in or has lost hope for their child or themselves, then they will not push to get the help needed for that child to reach their full potential. I believe that in order to reach the child, the parents must be empowered.
The last performance of the play features a couple children with Down syndrome, including my son Zyon. They all came out on stage with candles while an original song was being performed by Ayme Loren called “Silent Angels.” After that performance, self-advocate Jennifer Katz spoke to the audience.
Over the years, I’ve met so many VERY talented individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs. I will definitely work with talented individuals with disabilities in the future. Absolutely!
KHN: After I watched it, I have to say it was a fresh outlook on the father character for me because you usually have a strong Black mother who holds things together and usually alone. Were you trying to make a point that some Black men deal with disability in a family unit?
Yvonne Pierre: I agree, there are a lot of fathers who do walk away from their responsibility, whether the child has special needs or not. But there are men who love their children and are great fathers. Zyon’s dad is one of them. There are great fathers who are a part of their child’s life. They are not represented enough. We are always presenting women as strong, when not all women are and have a hard time holding it all together. Sometimes those who appear strong are really avoiding and not facing what’s going on.
There is also a stigma, silence and shame surrounding the special needs community. Often, we don’t reach out for help or participate in support groups. I must admit that initially, I felt the same way. I thought a support group was a bunch of parents sitting around pitying themselves. When Zyon began to transition from early intervention into public school, I realized the importance of networking with other parents.

If a parent doesn’t believe in or has lost hope for their child or themselves, then they will not push to get the help needed for that child to reach their full potential. I believe that in order to reach the child, the parents must be empowered.

Parents of special needs children can be very resourceful. A lot of things I learned were through other parents and many of the parents I’ve met online are often advocates too.
KHN: I know for me as a Black disabled man, it has been sad not to see myself in the entertainment field from plays to music in great numbers with diverse stories. Do you think your play can be one image in the mirror for Black families?
Yvonne Pierre: Definitely, but I also think it can be an image for families regardless of race. The issues surrounding the disabled community cross all color lines.
KHN: Would you have written a play dealing with Black disabled young men in our society?
Yvonne Pierre: As I mentioned, my primary focus has been parenting. However, I will definitely consider it in the future. All sides must be told. There are so many great stories surrounding the disabled community that need to be told and presented in film, TV and plays. Particularly, I’d like to see more positive images of individuals with disabilities. If there’s a story about someone with a disability, I’d like to see more producers and casting agencies hire skilled actors with disabilities, instead of hiring actors to “act” as if they are disabled.
KHN: How did you bring the ideal of “Then You Stand,” the play, to the theater community and what was their first reaction to it?
Yvonne Pierre: Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that if it’s your dream, your vision, then it’s in your hands. It’s up to you to make sure it happens. I’ve had so many doors closed in my face from other projects, some that don’t have to do with the special needs community.
So, out of habit, when I came up with the idea, I didn’t consider putting it into someone else’s hands. After I wrote the play, I spent long hours and sleepless nights researching, studying and preparing to make it happen. I searched for venues that rented out their stages and booked, directed and produced it myself.
KHN: I saw my mother face racism back in the ‘70s and ‘80s in advocating for my needs. What were your experiences with your son?
Yvonne Pierre: I think over the years a lot has changed, BUT there’s still a long way to go. Back in the ‘70s, for example, they were encouraging parents to institutionalize their children. They didn’t have as many resources such as early intervention, therapy and programs for children with special needs. It wasn’t that long ago that the disabled were given rights to an education.
There’s still a fight to get people to see that I’m not delusional or in denial when I say my son can learn. There is still a need for curriculums for teaching children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities within the public school system.
In the healthcare system, a lot has changed as well, but there are still a lot of doctors that see Down syndrome in a negative light. For example, when Zyon was born and the genetics doctor gave us the results that Zyon tested positive for Down syndrome, we were told that if I were to become pregnant again, DS was grounds for abortion. My mouth dropped. I was more upset that the doctor would say this about a child, a human being. I was very disturbed by the reactions.
So the discrimination is still there, but I’m hopeful that it will continue to change. Thanks to the many, many AWESOME advocates – parents, loved ones, individuals with disabilities and supporters – who continue to push doors open.

Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that if it’s your dream, your vision, then it’s in your hands. It’s up to you to make sure it happens.

KHN: Your play can be used as an educational tool for new parents and others. What are your plans for the play?
Yvonne Pierre: The video for “Then You Stand” is available to view for free online via YouTube and on ThenYouStand.com so that parents can view it on demand. Also, I encourage people to make a donation of any size, if they can, to Down syndrome research. That information is also available in the description area of the video on YouTube.
Right now, I’m focused on reaching out to as many parents as possible through social media. I also have a website, “Have Ya Heard” (www.hyhonline.com), where we feature stories of extraordinary people – parents, self-advocates, professionals, nonprofit owners and so on – sharing their experiences. These stories are inspirational and informative as well.
KHN: Has your son seen the play and did he enjoy it?
Yvonne Pierre: Well, actually on the day of the play, he didn’t. He was backstage the whole time with me, but he did see the final rehearsal and the video footage. He LOVES music and dance – he really enjoyed it, both my sons, Zyair, 19, and Zyon, 10.
KHN: Do you think the theater and entertainment industry are ready for stories like “Then You Stand”? And how can we push the theater community, especially the Black theater community, to have more plays with a disability theme?
Yvonne Pierre: When I decided to do this production, I didn’t give a second thought to if it was industry ready or not. As a parent and advocate, I felt like it was needed. I strongly believe that in order to have more productions surrounding the disabled community, we as parents, advocates and individuals with disabilities have to create it ourselves.
KHN: What are your next projects and how can people stay in contact with you?
Yvonne Pierre: My next project is a fictional book that I hope to release next year. This will be my second book, but first fictional work. My first book, “The Day My Soul Cried,” was released in 2010 and is about OVERCOMING some personal internal struggles from being molested, my father being murdered, my battles with reading and writing and the effect it had on me. It’s amazing how your biggest struggles can become your passion.
I can be reached via Facebook.com/ypierre01, Twitter.com/ypierre or through my website YPierre.com.
Thank you so much for this interview. Great questions and I truly appreciate it. Blessings!

Krip-Hop Nation founder Leroy F. Moore Jr. can be reached at blackkrip@gmail.com.

Canadian play features 9 actors with Down syndrome

from CTV News:

What’s it like to live with Down syndrome?

That question and others about the meaning of human intelligence and what makes lives worthwhile are answered in heart-wrenching ways in the new play, “RARE.”

Written and directed by acclaimed Canadian playwright Judith Thompson, “RARE” debuted at the Tarragon Theatre on July 5^th as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival. The surprise hit racked up sell-out performances and will now run from August 1 – 3 as part of the Best of Fringe.

That success is owed, in large part, to Thompson’s nine stars, all of whom have Down syndrome.

Ranging in ages from 22 to 37, Thompson’s performers and co-creators share the story of their lives in this unusual production.

Some complain about little things, such as drivers who don’t know where they’re going on the road. Others talk about the pain of loss, unfulfilled dreams and living with relatives who are addicted to drugs. But throughout it all, Thompson’s cast reminds audiences that they are human beings, just like anyone else, and deserve respect.

“I told my cast ‘You are educators. You are teaching me and the audience here,’” Thompson said on Tuesday, appearing on CTV’s Canada AM.

One such educator includes performer-writer Nick Herd, who gives a powerful rendition of William Blake’s poem, “Tiger,” during the show.

“I’ve gone through a lot of things over the years,” Herd said on Tuesday on Canada AM.

“When I was just a baby I was discriminated because I was different,” he said.

Shortly after Herd’s birth, a nurse told his mother that she did not have to keep the child. But Herd’s mother chose to keep her son.

“In ‘RARE’ we share our life experiences,” said Herd.

“We are rare. We’re unique. We stand together,” he said.

Each year approximately 500 babies with Down syndrome are born in Canada.

Up to 97 per cent of all pregnant women who learn that they are carrying fetuses with Down syndrome through prenatal testing choose to terminate their pregnancies.

That fact is poignantly addressed in “RARE” when 23-year-old performer Krystal Nausbaum reads an open letter to female audience members who may have learned that they are carrying a Down syndrome child.

“Never give up and always keep on going,” Nausbaum reads out.

“People who have Down syndrome are very talented and would love to be raised by you. Be brave,” she says.

Thompson hopes that this message, as well as the play’s vibrant stars, will help audiences see those living with Down syndrome in powerful new ways.

“All people are beautiful. That’s the message. We need to respect who they are,” said Thompson.

See a video on this topic here:

http://canadaam.ctvnews.ca/canadian-play-features-actors-with-down-syndrome-1.898956#.UBk-w-3CtjE.link

actor with Down syndrome tackles Hamlet

from This is Cornwall:

A theatre company is to stage Shakespeare's Hamlet at the Minack Theatre with a Down's Syndrome actor taking the title role for the very first time.

Tommy Jessop, pictured, whose work includes a lead role in the BAFTA-nominated Coming Down The Mountain on BBC television, is touring with Blue Apple Theatre, one of the leading disability arts companies in the south which creates opportunities for actors with learning disabilities to perform in mainstream productions.

The play is being staged at Porthcurno's Minack on Saturday, May 12, at 7.30pm and will continue its tour across 12 UK locations.

Jane Jessop, founding director of Blue Apple Theatre in Winchester, said Hamlet was chosen as "the ultimate Shakespeare play" that would challenge both the cast and audience.

"All that actors with learning disabilities can mostly get is a supporting role so to put someone like Tommy with Down's Syndrome on stage as Hamlet, one of the highest profile roles in the whole of world literature, is extremely exciting.

"Watching it is like seeing a miracle, knowing what the prognosis is for people when they're born with Down's Syndrome and how so little is expected of them," she added.

"Shakespeare speaks to us all. I believe this will be extremely thought-provoking, powerful and utterly moving and we will all, cast and audiences, gain something wonderful from this production," said Jane.

The actors at Blue Apple Theatre have a range of disabilities, such as autism, including Asperger Syndrome, Down's Syndrome and behavioural difficulties. The discipline, challenge and excitement of learning lines, rehearsing and putting on a play helps them to develop new skills and increase their self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Blue Apple's Hamlet has been adapted by scriptwriter and film-maker William Jessop, 29, who has shortened the 210-minute play to just 70 minutes, without losing the key elements of the drama.

He said: "I've kept Shakespeare's original language, so the key challenge has been to work closely with each actor to make sure they understand and own everything they're saying and make each part their own."

Tommy, 27, who has featured in Casualty, Holby City and in afternoon plays on BBC Radio 4, said that Hamlet was his most difficult role to date.

"Learning the lines has been challenging, as Hamlet's in almost every other scene, and there's a range of emotions to put across. There's a bit of sadness, a bit of happiness and a bit of anger," he added.

To book tickets, phone the Minack on 01736 810181 or visit http://www.minack.com/