Special Gifts Theatre

Special Gifts Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides inclusive and adaptive musical theatre programming for individuals with disabilities. We work collaboratively to adapt all aspects of musical theatre while creating transformative experiences that integrate creativity for individuals with disabilities and fun to fully engage in the world.

Debbie Taus-Barth, she/her/hers, currently is the Program Operations Director at Special Gifts Theatre and since 2008 has served as production manager, peer mentor coordinator, site supervisor, and teacher, and founded Creating Outside the Lines, SGT’s adult program. As Program Operations Director, Taus-Barth oversees the creative adaptations for Special Gifts Theatre’s musical theatre programs. Taus-Barth earned a Liberal Arts Associates Degree from Wright College, Chicago and has worked with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities for 40 yrs.

 

Kate Sabres, she/her/hers, is a special education teacher for Chicago Public Schools and the choreographer for four Special Gifts Theatre Programs. She started doing dance and acrobatics at a young age and continued through cheering in high school and college. Sabres received her bachelors dual license in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood General Education from University of Wisconsin: Whitewater. Sabres also holds a masters degree from Grand Canyon University in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

 

Hunter Czarnecki, he/him/his, is a 22 year old actor with Autism at Special Gifts Theatre. He has performed in many roles including Peter Pan in Peter Pan Jr., Daddy Warbucks in Annie Jr., Sebastian in Little Mermaid Jr. among many others. Hunter works at an electronic recycling location 5 days a week.  He loves to build Legos, watch movies, and go bowling with friends. 

 

Daniel G. Graham, he/him/his, is an 18-year-old actor with Special Gifts Theatre. Danny, who is on the Autism-spectrum, has loved theatre since he attended his first musical at the age of 4. He has been a part of SGT for several years, participating in its stagecraft and scripting workshops and performing in its musicals, including Shrek Jr. (Shrek) and Madagascar Jr. (Alex the Lion). On weekdays, Danny works downtown as an Office Assistant in a Chicago law firm.  He serves his community as a member of Lions Club International and plans to attend college in the Spring.

 

Sean Grynberg, he/him, has been participating in Special Gifts Theatre since he was 7. He is a 14-year-old student with Down syndrome, and his favorite role so far was as Hawk in Little Mermaid, Jr., probably because it was his first time under the lights on stage! Last year he shone as Maui in Moana, Jr. (pictured). Sean is an 8th grader and will head to high school next year. Besides SGT, he dances in a hip hop class he has attended for years, and is the instructor's assistant in teaching hip hop to the preschool-aged kids. He loves performing, singing, dancing and, and signing using ASL.

 

Hope Michelotti, she/her, has been an actor with Special Gifts Theatre for over a decade. She has enjoyed singing and dancing in musicals such as Grease, Aladdin, and High School Musical. She is excited to begin her new position as dance assistant for the musical, Seussical. In her spare time, Hope loves to hip-hop dance, sing in her choir, and play mahjong.

 

Chicago Children's Theatre

Chicago Children’s Theatre focuses on the production of first-rate children’s theatre in Chicago, with top writing, performing, and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise. Chicago Children’s Theatre also produces The Red Kite Project, a multi-sensory interactive theatre program tailored specifically to the needs of youth on the autism spectrum. In 2017, Chicago Children’s Theatre became the first theater for young audiences in the nation to win a National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing, creators of the Tony Awards.

 

Catherine Councell (she/her) is a Teaching Artist, Actor, and Voice over artist. For the past decade she has worked with universities, schools, and professional Theaters in NC, GA, IA, and IL as a Teaching Artist, and she is passionate about emotional literacy, mindfulness, and learning through play. In Chicago she has worked with Chicago Children's Theatre as the Drama Teacher for Camp Red Kite 2022, as well as a Teaching Artist for their resiliency program: ROAR. She has also worked as a Teaching Artist with The Viola Project and with Musical Chairs, as well as volunteering as a facilitator with A.B.L.E Ensemble. Catherine holds a BFA in Acting from Brenau University and the Gainesville Theatre Alliance in GA, where she also toured as part of the GTA Repertory Company doing two shows in rep for students all over GA. She also has her MFA in Acting from the University of Iowa. Catherine has been a company member for GreatWorks Theatre Company since 2021 touring shows in schools all over IL, and just wrapped a production of MacBeth with Three Crows Theatre Company. She is certified through Theatrical Intimacy Educators in Working with Minors, Best Consent-based Practices, as well as Mental Health First Aid in the classroom. Catherine loves shaping safe/brave spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and fun. www.catherinecouncell.com

Sam Mauceri (they/them) is a theatre educator, artist, and administrator with a passion for creating accessible spaces for students and young audiences, and the Director of Education & Access Programs at Chicago Children’s Theatre. At CCT, Sam heads the Red Kite Project, a series of dynamic camps, classes, and residencies designed for young people on the autism spectrum. Prior to joining the Education team at Chicago Children’s Theatre, they served as the School Matinee Series Coordinator at Goodman Theatre, where they also co-directed PlayBuild, and Strike! The Youth Political Theatre Project. Originally from the DC area, Sam was the Master Instructor of Early Childhood Education and teaching artist at Imagination Stage, as well as a teaching artist with Young Playwrights’ Theater. Alongside teaching drama to young people, they also provide professional development for educators in arts integration, creating accessible and inclusive drama classrooms, and facilitating trans-positive learning spaces. As a director and playwright, their work has been produced in Chicago and DC. 

Able Arts Work

The primary mission of Able ARTS Work is to provide lifelong learning, community service and vocational opportunities through the creative arts for people of all abilities and all ages in an environment of warmth, encouragement and inclusion. Able ARTS Work provides unique development opportunities to all participating staff, students and partnering community members, together we grow.

Savannah Runge (she/they) is an autistic theatre artist and educator based in Los Angeles, CA. Savannah is a Seesaw Alum, spending most of their undergraduate career on the executive board. After graduating from Northwestern in 2020, they have worked as a drama instructor for disabled adults at a region day program. Throughout her time at Able ARTS Work, Savannah has introduced students to sensory drama, playwriting, Shakespeare, and more. Savannah strives to provide neurodivergent affirming, disability-justice focused services to other disabled humans as she continues her work in accessibility. 

 

Nancy Terry is a student at ART Center. She loves knitting and learning new skills. Nancy is happy being a knitter with a disability and is proud of all she accomplishes. In the future, Nancy hopes to become an excellent knitter and make money off selling her projects. Nancy enjoys learning about Shakespeare and practicing reading. She loves to read and write and can often be found buried in a book about writing. Nancy hopes you have a wonderful day!

 

Brian Corder has been an artist at Able ARTS Work for 6 years. Brian is a disabled podcaster who loves to pun. “I could have been a teacher but I’d lose control of my pupils. Or I could have been a doctor, but I’d run out of patience. Or I could have been a chef but I’d be a cut above”. Brian loves podcasting. This year, Brian has explored animation and Shakespeare. Brian dreams of a world where everyone gets along with everyone else. Brian was recently featured in the AAW CORE gallery show, displaying his modge podge collaged drum. To check out more of Brian’s work visit the AAW YouTube channel. Thank you for joining Brian in learning more about accessible art. 

 

Aaron Francis is a big fan of music and enjoys singing any type of song. He loves to create art using watercolor. His artwork usually centers around animals, especially cats. He loves hanging out with his mom and ride in her car to get lunch. Thinking toward the future, he would like to read more Shakespeare and share this with others.

 

Henry “Ricky” Parral is a kind man who appreciates swimming. Though he often prefers not to touch most art materials, Ricky is a talented painter and has had his art pieces featured in many Able ARTS Work gallery shows. He has been attending ART Center for the past 27 years and his family has shared that there is no other place he’d rather be!






 

Lorenia Varela loves music and will often stand up and dance when a tune she likes comes on. She can always be seen smiling and is a joy to be around. She has been attending ART Center since 2006 and will always take part in music courses. Recently, she has assisted in composing music for a podcast theme song.

Rebecca “Becky” Neuhaus has taken part in many music and art classes during her past 7 years at ART Center. She loves routine and has a favorite spot that she will sit in each day while attending program. She loves hanging objects and will use adaptive sign language to say “please” when she wants staff members activate the mobiles. Becky is kind to her peers and will wave at them when they greet her.

Lisa Mellow is a student at Able ARTS Work. Lisa loves music and can often be seen rocking out to oldies. Lisa’s favorite instrument is the rain drum. Her work has been featured in the Able ARTS Work gallery and on the ART Beat Radio podcast. Lisa thanks the Seesaw team for this opportunity.

Pink Umbrella Theatre Company

The mission of Pink Umbrella Theater Co. is to promote and provide theater that is accessible and inclusive with people who identify with a physical, intellectual or emotional disability. Founded in September 2018, Pink Umbrella Theater Co. is the first of its kind in Milwaukee welcoming actors and artists age four through adult.   We set out to be the first professional theater company, in Milwaukee, to hire Disabled Actors and Artists. Together, we will create a space that is inclusive and accessible for all. 

Molly Kiefer (she/her) is a teaching artist, mover, and disability advocate in Milwaukee, WI. Molly has worked with Pink Umbrella Theater Company in a number of capacities, including teaching, Movement Director (SHINE!), and stage manager (Bigger Top).  Molly has performed with Wild Space Dance Company and Zeze Schorsch. Molly co-leads Pink Umbrella’s Teaching Artists Identifying with a Disability group and is a resident with Socially Distant Art. 

Katie Cummings (she/her) has dedicated over twenty years as a theater artist, educator and advocate for inclusion and diversity in theater.  She founded Pink Umbrella Theater, the first of its kind in the city of Milwaukee, focused on theater created by people who identify with a physical, intellectual or emotional disability.  A Wisconsin native, Katie graduated from Cardinal Stritch University with a BA in Theater and Business.  Her resume includes First Stage, Bunny Gumbo, UW-Milwaukee, Chamber Theater and St. Joseph High School.  She attended, and taught, a variety of professional development sessions throughout her career focused on equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Katie believes that theater has the power to develop empathy, create meaningful connections and engage community. She is a recent recipient of the P5 award from the United Way of Greater Milwaukee. 

SPORK!

SPORK! is a 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit and website for people who have Cognitive (mental), Physical and Non-Apparent (invisible) differences / disabilities. We are directed and managed by people with disabilities. Our main and most important goal is assist in giving a unique, united and authentic voice to the Disabled community. We accomplish this goal by documenting the works of both individuals and businesses who support and fight for the Disabled community, as well as creating an integrative network of resources for individuals, activists, designers and care workers

Whitney Hill is a specialist on accessibility with over a decade of experience in program management and communication. Her background in universal design and public accessibility combined with her personal background of identifying as someone with a disability give her a unique skillset to connect individuals with needed services, while also empowering them to advocate for themselves. Throughout her career, Whitney has aimed to ensure that public and institutional spaces are made readily accessible to all. In her role with LCM Architects and previous position at the Institute for Human Centered Design, Whitney partnered with government and private entities in conjunction with the Americans with Disabilities Act to meet and exceed standards for equal opportunity in accessibility. Prior to these roles, Whitney facilitated services for over 250 clients with the Blind Services Association and implemented new programs monthly to provide an accessible experience for the growing client base. Whitney has been featured in Crain’s Chicago Business as one of their 2022 Notable Black Leaders and Executives. Additionally, she serves as elected Chair of Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) ADA Advisory and as a Chair for the CTA Wayfinding Subcommittee, finding new ways to improve the transportation experience for the disabled community of Chicago. Whitney aims to continue her pattern of advocacy in Illinois as elected member of Governor Pritzker’s Blind Services Planning Council, Board Member at 3Arts, and as a Fellow (2020) and Member at Disability Lead. She is also a newly appointed member of Equip for Equality‘s Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council.

Gianni Carcagno

Gianni Carcagno (she/they) is a stage manager and theatre technician based in Chicago, IL, currently working with TimeLine Theatre Company as Production Assistant and Covid Compliance Officer. Other recent credits include Mentor Artists Playwrights Project, Porchlight Music Theatre, Music Theater Works, Lookingglass Theatre Company, and Pivot Arts Festival. Gianni holds a BA in Theatre and Sociology from Loyola University Chicago, where they led an arts accessibility initiative resulting in open captioning for mainstage theatre performances.

 

UIC/Babes With Blades Theatre Company

Richard Costes (he/him) is an actor, director, and accessibility consultant and is thrilled to have worked with BWBTC to bring the story of one of Shakespeare’s most manipulative kings to this stage. Richard has previously directed productions of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, King Stag, Kimberly Akimbo, Footfalls and Other Plays by Samuel Beckett amongst others. In 2019, Richard was one of 10 recipients of a 3Arts Award and is also a member of Disability Lead. A graduate of Kent State University (B.A. Theatre) he has co-presented at Gallaudet University’s symposium on Visual Shakespeare and was a panelist and member of the 2019 Deaf Theatre Action Planning Session hosted by HowlRound at Emerson College. He has consulted with National Disability Theatre, and currently sits on the board of the National Theatre of the Deaf.

Margaret Fink (she/her) is the Director of UIC's Disability Cultural Center, one of seven Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change. A cultural studies and literary scholar, she has taught courses on disability in American literature, reality television and anomalous embodiment, and narratives of the mind/body distinction in popular narratives of transgender and disability experience. She also has a professional background in writing support for academic and professional writers. After experiencing disability culture spaces at disability studies conferences, her work as a teacher blossomed into an interest in how our practices shape spaces for inclusion and belonging. More recently she has collaborated on pieces about accessible conference spaces and she co-taught a course at UIC in conjunction with this production, "Making Inclusive Theatre: Richard III as Disability Art."

Aszkara Gilcrist (she/her) is a blind actor based in Chicago. She is currently in Philadelphia performing as Julieta/Young Alberto in Odd Man Out. Her previous credits include Babes With Blades Theatre Company’s Richard III (King Richard III), The Bone Harp (Jenny Allen) at the Underscore Theatre Company, Moby Dick: A Musical (Sally) in the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, and Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew) at the Fern Street Theatre. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is honored to represent disability on stage.

Headshot of Hayley, a plus-sized, Caucasian woman with shoulder-length red hair that has a side-part pinned to one side. She is against a dark-blue background and is wearing a flannel shirt. She has one eyebrow arched and looks at the camera.

Hayley Rice (she/her) is a Chicago-area actor and director whose work has been seen at such theaters as First Folio Theatre (The Winter’s Tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Man-Beast, Henry V, The Jigsaw Bride), Babes With Blades Theatre Company (Henry V, Child’s Play, Duchess of Malfi), Focal Point Theatre Company, & Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre in Minnesota. As an actor, she’s worked with The Factory Theater, Prologue Theatre, AstonRep Theatre, The Chicago Mammals, Circle Theatre, and Illinois Theatre Center, among others. She is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University’s School of Theatre Arts. Hayley is an Advising Artistic Consultant at First Folio Theatre and the Artistic Director of Babes With Blades Theatre Company. You can find more about Hayley and her future projects at HayleyRice.com.

Rachelle Palnick Tsachor (she/her) is Associate Professor of Theatre Movement at UIC. Her research and artistic process focus on body-mind connections in movement, how function and expression intertwine to support people: our bodies, brains, emotions, health and learning. Tsachor co-authored studies bridging science and arts, such as "Emotion regulation through movement" (Frontiers in Psychology), A somatic movement approach to fostering emotional resiliency (Frontiers in Neuroscience), and the chapter on movement in "Integrative Rehabilitation Practice: The Foundations of Whole-Person Care for Health Professionals." Her creative work ranges from “Bartenieff Fundamentals for Actors” in Movement for Actors 2nd Ed., to teaching workshops such as “Restoring Resiliency through Action” at the Association of Theatre in Higher Ed, corroborating essential action-based theatre techniques. At UIC, Tsachor’s artistic contributions as movement specialist serve to support kinesthetic empathy for diverse peoples and cultures through embodied understanding.

Seesaw Theatre

Seesaw Theatre was founded under the name "Theatre Stands with Autism" in 2012. TSWA was founded with the belief that theatre is a basic human right and denying anyone access because of ability status is unacceptable. Rather than merely accommodating audiences with special needs, Seesaw Theatre produces multi-sensory theatrical experiences where each guest is accompanied by their own "adventure guide" who plays with them throughout the production, creating an individualized experience.

Zoe Maroko (she/her) is a current third year at Northwestern University, where she double majors in theatre and neuroscience. She is originally from Marlboro, New Jersey. Zoe began serving on the executive board of Seesaw Theatre during her freshman year, and directed last year’s winter touring show “What’s the Buzz?” Her current board position is the Head Adventure Guide, where she trains students how to best interact with audience members. She is a Chicago based actor and performer, and also helps conduct psychological research on interpersonal relations with the Relationships and Motivations Lab (RAMLAB) at Northwestern. Special thanks to all of the Seesaw Board Members past, present, and future!

 

Registration for the 2022 conference is now open. We look forward to seeing you there! The 2022 Inclusive Theatre Festival will be an in-person event, hosted live at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. It will also be recorded and archived for future access for all patrons. We hope that you will join us for ITF 2022! For any questions or further information, please contact Conference Director Monica Williams at inclusivetheatrefestival@gmail.com