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Maestra, ACCESS Broadway NY, and CO/LAB Theater Group Present: Accessibility Workshop Series

Maestra partnered with ACCESS Broadway NY and CO/LAB Theater Group to present our first-ever Accessibility Workshop Series. These three workshops aimed to create a more inclusive working environment by increasing accessibility in both the rehearsal room and performance space. Facilitated by ACCESS Broadway NY’s Founder Maria Porto and CO/LAB Theater Group, the Accessibility Workshop Series—along with the mission of RISE Theatre, a program of Maestra— offers guidance on how to proactively support and include an often underrepresented community.

Video Replays of all three workshops are available below for free viewing.

ACCESS Broadway NY


Join ACCESS Broadway NY founder and ADA advisor and disability consultant Maria Porto in a 90-minute workshop that includes a brief overview of the history of disability in America and challenges some of the barriers currently existing on Broadway for musicians with disabilities. We investigate how to move into an ally role within our own work, and we discuss the reclamation of power in words and identity.

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ACCESS Broadway NY

Learning the Notes: a panel focused on Disability representation on Broadway for musicians. Watch Moderator Shane Dittmar, composer/music director, lead a panel discussion focusing on and highlighting the careers of Disabled Musicians/Composers in theater.

Featured panelists include: Nicole D’Angelo (How To Dance in Ohio), Julia Schade (Six), Jennifer Gray (Florida Music Director), and Stephanie L. Carlin (Two Anxious Bisexuals).

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CO/LAB Theater Group

CO/LAB Theater Group led a professional development workshop designed to inspire participants to question how inclusive their practices are. CO/LAB Theater Group is a non-profit organization that provides individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts. In this workshop, two Teaching Artists and two Leaders (seasoned CO/LAB actors with developmental disabilities) led attendees through activities and discussion around best practices for creating a welcoming neurodiverse environment that centers access and care. We hope participants and viewers leave prepared to interrupt on behalf of accessibility in their next creative or professional space. 

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