Theatre Orangeville

Sharing Recipient Stories

2025 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$5,000

Sharing our story

Through the generous support of Dufferin County, we were able to offer two Creative Partners on Stage (C.P.O.S.) programs. Each program ran for six months and guided neurodiverse actors through the complete process of creating a theatrical production. Participants began by auditioning and sharing their talents. From there, the creative team, support workers and actors collaboratively developed two brand-new productions, designed to celebrate the abilities of the neurodiverse actors involved.

During the six month program period both groups worked on script development, choreography, and the integration of costumes, props, and technical elements. This process allowed participants to experience building a professional production, culminating in two fully staged performances presented over one weekend at our annual festival.

To create additional opportunities we grew the festival artisan market. This space allowed artists with neurodiversities and exceptionalities to showcase and sell their artwork. Festival patrons were invited to participate in hands-on art stations, encouraging creativity and engagement for all abilities. Our goal was to create an inclusive environment that celebrated the meaningful contributions neurodiverse individuals make to our community while inspiring others to explore their own creativity.

Overall, the C.P.O.S. program highlighted the talents, voices, and artistic contributions of neurodiverse people. In total, 19 neurodiverse actors performed across two productions, and 12 neurodiverse artists showcased their work in the artisan market. Patron feedback included comments such as, “Amazing shows,” “Happy to see my friends in their show,” “I enjoyed seeing the art downstairs,” and “I love drama.”

Ingrid Watt
iwatt@theatreorangeville.ca
www.theatreorangeville.ca