Monday, November 21, 2016
Challenging Perspectives on Auditions for the Differently Abled
HowlRound: In May 2016, Red Theater produced Chicago’s first ever Unified Access Auditions. We identified and invited performers who are differently abled to audition for a room of prestigious casting directors and theatre companies. It was a terrific experience for all involved. Performers got callbacks, and directors left determined to be more inclusive in their upcoming season selection.
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This is a really interesting article, and one that I'm glad was posted. There was an article a while back that I thought would have similar content to this one, but was actually about the lack of auditions open to actors of all abilities. This article was good in that it addressed the practical issues that come with having such auditions (ie not reaching the communities that they had hoped to, for whatever reason) and also the correct wording and ideology behind having such auditions. I really liked the point that was made about "removing any sense of condescending benevolence" because that's the main trap that we as a society fall into regarding disabled/differently abled people-- we view extending a service that in an ideal world would already be in place as "allowing" our differently abled peers to "inspire" us. Looking at it in this way is completely counter productive, as it only makes people feel like they're being talked down to and treated differently rather than being given equal treatment and opportunity.
I understand that The author and the theatre meant well when writing this article - and please remember that I am elated that they tried to do this - but based on the wording and descriptions of "prefered terms" in this article clearly indicate that they are not in close contact with the Disability Community and fail to understand the intricacies of reaching this audience in a sensitive way. This is also clearly demonstrated by their failure to anticipate the needs of the community. These problems can all be solved by literally just asking questions. The community wants events and auditions to be accessible, and most are willing to talk if you ask questions with an open mind. There are a lot of ins and outs as far as vocabulary in concerned. I understand that the Deaf Community dislikes being referred to as "disabled", and that is their right. But there are many physically disabled people who prefer to use the term "disabled". Many with invisible neurological disorders, such as autistic people, generally prefer either "disabled" or "neurodiverse". Despite what this article insists, I have yet to meet a single person who prefers person-first language. The thinking behind that is that a disability is not something that is "added on" to a person. It is a huge part of your identity, inseparable from yourself. It colors every experience and thought. Using person-first language ignores your reality and needs. To use a metaphor the autistic community is fond of - many people see autistic people as a red lego (a normal person) with a blue lego (the autism) on top. But in reality, an autistic person is a purple lego. Please dear lord talk to the communities you wish to help.
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