Over the past thirty years, we’ve collectively seen a push for greater accessibility options in the arts such as (but not limited to) ASL interpreters, open captioning, audio descriptions, autism and sensory friendly performances, and veterans’ theater going programs.

Likewise, artists breaking the mold are getting their overdue spotlight. Not only have companies like Deaf West taken mainstream theater by storm and become household names, but last year’s Broadway shows showcased a more inclusive slate of talent: The Cost of Living starred Katy Sullivan, Paralympic athlete and amputee, and Gregg Mozgala, who is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy; Camelot featured Anthony Michael Lopez, who wears a prosthetic leg and Marilee Talkington who is legally blind; In A Doll's House, Michael Patrick Thornton, a wheelchair user, played Dr. Rank.

How do we continue to move the needle to ensure that everyone can access the show and that the material we enjoy reflects humanity as whole - with a wide variety of abilities and differences? In this conversation, we’ll explore both the content and function of representation and accessibility. What does inclusive performance look like, and how do we get there?

Join Director of Artistic Programming Ronee Penoi, noted bassist and host of the podcast, “Blind? So What?” Ciara Moser, audio describer, performer, and leader in the Spina Bifida community Cori Couture, groundbreaking founder and Executive Director of Abilities Dance Ellice Patterson, and managing director of Open Door Arts, Nicole Agois Hurel for this timely panel discussion.