More than inclusion, we believe artists with disabilities need to feel they truly belong at The Wallis. We try to affirm this value in our key partnerships. The Wallis is very proud to serve as the Los Angeles area home for Broadway Dreams, an international musical theater training program that brings together aspiring performers with Broadway professionals. The annual summer intensive at The Wallis culminates in a fully produced show in our Bram Goldsmith Theater. As a result of our partnership over the past several years, Broadway Dreams has made an expanded commitment to include artists with disabilities.
This past July, two such participants had strong ties to The Wallis. Domonique Brown was recently the lead actor in the world premiere musical 185 Wilshire, A Love Story with The Miracle Project, a program for young people with autism and all abilities. This was Dom’s second summer with Broadway Dreams. Amelia Hensley, a cast member of The Wallis and Deaf West Theater production of Spring Awakening that transferred to Broadway, was the first deaf actor to participate in Broadway Dreams. To ensure Amelia was included fully in the program we needed the support of expert ASL interpreters. We are especially thankful to Jo-Ann Dean and Sharon Pierre-Louis for going above and beyond to provide and help arrange the needed services.
It was thrilling to see Dom and Amelia thrive during the week and then see them on stage in the showcase performance. It was just as important for all the other participants and faculty to gain experience working with peers with disabilities. The Wallis applauds Broadway Dreams, Domonique and Amelia for inspiring performers of all abilities to dream.