Draft:Arizona Theatre Matters

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Arizona Theatre Matters

Arizona Theatre Matters (ATM) is a non-profit theatre company based in Glendale, Arizona. Founded in 2012, ATM is a pioneer of universally accessible theatre. The theatre company is dedicated to producing radically inclusive theatre experiences that welcome audiences of diverse abilities and backgrounds.[1][2][3]

History

Arizona Theatre Matters was founded in 2012 by [[Jeanmarie Simpson]] with the conviction that every voice is essential to society. ATM's early work focused on producing live theatre with performers with disabilities. The company has developed a distinct style known for universal accessibility and inclusive storytelling. It serves a variety of communities including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, artists with disabilities, and elder women, all of which are historically underserved in the theater industry.[4][5][6]

Approach to Accessibility[7][8]

ATM prioritizes accessibility in its productions:

  • Multilingual Productions: Featuring dialogue in multiple languages, often with projected translations.
  • Creative use of Sign Language: Performances may incorporate sign language as a storytelling element.
  • Integrated Accessibility: Open captioning, audio descriptions, and sensory-friendly elements may be woven directly into the productions.
  • Universal Access: ATM's productions are presented as audio theatre with sign language on-screen and uploaded to YouTube. This allows their work to be available 24/7, 365 days a year at no cost to the audience.

Approach to Inclusivity[9]

ATM's staff, ensemble, and board prioritize inclusiveness, with a majority representation of LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and persons with disabilities. The company embraces a philosophy of "radical inclusivity" in casting, ensuring all spaces (auditions, rehearsals, performances) are physically and socially accommodating.

Notable Productions

  • [[Under Milk Wood]] ([2023]): Dylan Thomas' masterpiece with sign language and captions in 300+ languages.[10]
  • Heretic - the Mary Dyer Story] (2020): The story of Quaker Mary Dyer, executed June 1, 1660, with sign language and captions in 300+ languages.[11]
  • Bambino Mio - Bright Little Flame (2024): A two-hander play exploring the life of Maria Montessori and themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.[12][13]
  • The Jewish Question (2024): "Kitchen table play" exploring the complexities of contemporary Jewish perspectives.[14]

Community Impact[15]

ATM provides extensive educational and outreach programs to promote theatre accessibility and inclusion:

  • Workshops and classes: Skills development for aspiring artists and theatre professionals with diverse abilities.
  • School partnerships: Programs to introduce students to inclusive theatre and create a welcoming environment for young people with disabilities.
  • Advocacy: Collaborations with organizations to promote best practices in arts accessibility. ATM has partnerships with the American Council for the Blind and the National Association of the Deaf to increase visibility.

External Links

  • Arizona Theatre Matters official website: https://arizonatheatrematters.org/
  • Arizona Theatre Matters YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@arizonatheatrematters

References[edit]

  1. ^ Star, Kathleen Allen Arizona Daily (2013-01-27). "New company looks for Tucson actors with disabilities". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  2. ^ Werner, Kylie (May 2, 2024). "Nonprofit provides universal access to productions (page 22)". digitaledition.glendalestar.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  3. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "BAMBINO MIO - BRIGHT LITTLE FLAME to be Presented by Arizona Theatre Matters". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  4. ^ Star, Kathleen Allen Arizona Daily (2013-01-27). "New company looks for Tucson actors with disabilities". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  5. ^ Werner, Kylie (May 5, 2024). "Nonprofit provides universal access to productions (page 22)". digitaledition.glendalestar.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  6. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "BAMBINO MIO - BRIGHT LITTLE FLAME to be Presented by Arizona Theatre Matters". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  7. ^ Werner, Kylie (May 2, 2024). "Nonprofit provides universal access to productions - page 22". digitaledition.glendalestar.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  8. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "BAMBINO MIO - BRIGHT LITTLE FLAME to be Presented by Arizona Theatre Matters". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  9. ^ Werner, Kiley (May 2, 2024). "Nonprofit provides universal access to productions - page 22". digitaledition.glendalestar.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  10. ^ UNDER MILK WOOD. Retrieved 2024-05-06 – via www.youtube.com.
  11. ^ Heretic - the Mary Dyer Story (universally accessible - for full accessibility, use closed captions). Retrieved 2024-05-06 – via www.youtube.com.
  12. ^ Bambino Mio - Bright Little Flame. Retrieved 2024-05-06 – via www.youtube.com.
  13. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe (May 2, 2024). "BAMBINO MIO - BRIGHT LITTLE FLAME to be Presented by Arizona Theatre Matters". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  14. ^ The Jewish Question. Retrieved 2024-05-06 – via www.youtube.com.
  15. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "BAMBINO MIO - BRIGHT LITTLE FLAME to be Presented by Arizona Theatre Matters". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Arizona_Theatre_Matters&oldid=1222597552"