Our mission is to create a socially creative community for special needs individuals with a passion for performance to grow their talents and show the world just how uniquely able they are. DreamStreet cast members have demonstrated their philosophy that maximum self-expression leads to maximum self-esteem, leading cast members to become role models in the special needs community. Our live shows attempt to break down stereo-typing, so audiences see the amazing talent of our performers and not only a face of disability. We also hope to eventually offer year-round programming that focuses on nurturing all creative opportunities for our community, including voice, body, mind and wellness to show what a profound effect art can have on quality of life.
DreamStreet Theatre was founded in 2001 by Karuna Heisler as part of a YAI Social Club, to bring the joy of theatre to special needs performers in a time where access to the arts was limited to those with unique abilities. Karuna was able to see real changes in her cast members, some gaining the confidence to speak through mutism and others developing quality positive, sometimes romantic, relationships. She saw a community blossom. After Karuna passed away, her husband and daughter, Len and Kendra Heisler, with the help of myself, continue to support DreamStreet and Karuna’s legacy. She wanted this to be a place where individuals could shine despite their different abilities, and we work tirelessly to make sure that happens.
We like to say that we grow “creative confidence” in our individuals; we believe we can give our members the confidence to do things they never thought possible, and then translate their new found confidence to important life skills. These are often in the form of increased socialization and communication skills, positive relationship building and even increased language and verbal abilities. This is partly why we chose to do a classical performance this season (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). As a performer, I know how difficult it is to learn classical verse, let alone perform it; so do my cast members. Now, here they are–reciting Shakespeare, understanding the subtext, enjoying the humor–it’s amazing. This is a feat that a large majority of the population, regardless of ability, has never even attempted. Imagine what this does for their self-esteem? Their confidence in themselves? Their sense of accomplishment as well as their capacity for stepping out of their comfort zone? It is truly inspiring to see.
Make sure you are creating something that you really care about, not just something purely for self-promotion. Theatre is much more fulfilling and people are much more interested, when you are doing it for the greater good; when you are making a point. I would also invest in some additional skills that will help you from a business standpoint. Whether it’s taking a class on non-profit leadership or learning how to write grants, it will be worth it. Think big picture.
I really love the sound of rain outside; especially when I’m sleeping. And sounds I dislike would be chewing; I’m trying to get better at tolerating it. The Times article on this made me feel so much better though!
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, The Reason I Jump, A Shakespearean Actor Prepares, and the Harry Potter series, of course.
Friends (all seasons), Pitch Perfect, When Harry Met Sally, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Jaws (to remind me not to go in the ocean).
I would say the same thing as above: Think big picture. Everyone who is an actor in school is passionate about performing and has a large sense of dedication to the arts, which is great. But while you are out there pounding the pavement for auditions, you still need to pay for rent, bills, classes and your personal life in general. Think about how you can make this easier on yourself so you can play the long game and be in this business for good. Learn some business sense, make quality learning investments in yourself and find another professional skill that will pay for your passion until you get paid for your passion; it will give you longevity in this field.
We are so excited to be hosting our first summer workshops this July at New York City Live Arts! This is an opportunity for us to open up our ensemble and have some of our cast members act as role models and teaching artists for new individuals who want to participate with DreamStreet. We will be teaching improvisation techniques, musical theatre concepts and movement skills that will culminate in an original performance for parents and caregivers. Next season we hope to offer more acting classes to the community as well as yoga, visual arts and dance. In addition I am super stoked to get ready for next year’s Broadway Musical Revue and our original production of Charlotte’s Web.
Academically, my college theatre professors, all of them (Patt, Gene, Pam). They formed such as balanced group of advisors together to push me past my comfort zone and realize my potential as a performer and as a human, “If it was easy, everybody would do it.” In life, my mother and my grandmother. Both inspiring examples of what it means to be an ambitious, kind and courageous humanitarian.
Thank you, Aubrie! Write Teacher(s) readers, be sure to get tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dreaming – which plays tonight and tomorrow, at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Peter Norton Symphony Space, (NYC).
Tickets are available here.
Live, Love, Learn,