Inclusion in the performing arts
The performance art and media world can be a very exclusive environment, and it is even more difficult for people living with disabilities. As the program manager of Stars and the Moon, Tyla Chapman is part of a theatre group that aims to include people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Her responsibilities encompass constantly making improvements and expanding upon who the organisation can cater to and redefining what it means to be inclusive.
Forming friendships
Chapman has been working at Stars and the Moon for five years. “They say if you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life. We are super unique, and we are 99% confident we are the only all nonprofit musical theatre group that is inclusive of everyone. We pioneered the castmate model, and we have achieved high-quality work by making sure everyone feels supported,” she declares.
Stars and the Moon is a not-for-profit, all-abilities theatre company based in Melbourne, Victoria. It was created by Eitan Meyerowitz with his cousin, who loved theatre and wanted to be in a mainstream show but also lived with Down syndrome.
Chapman explains, “I act as the cast manager. When we’re not setting up a program, we’re planning it. I look after the people involved in the program, including the parents and carers. I prepare support plans, personal care, asthma plans or anything that might require extra support. I also help provide the right education by training the volunteers or talking in universities and recruitments to spread the mission. I manage the inclusion team as well.”
The community theatre uses the castmate model or buddy participant model. For every character, there are at least two performers: one who is able-bodied and another who identifies as disabled or neurodivergent. In some cases, up to three people may share a role to provide ample support. The rehearsal process spans three months, allowing time for everyone to bond and form solid friendships. A lot of effort goes into casting to determine who each performer would want to be paired with while still considering the creative vision.
Dealing with challenges to accessibility
When it comes to running an organisation that aims to include people with a variety of disabilities, Chapman clarifies, “Some venues are not accessible.”
To address this issue, everything is modified within the Stars and the Moon theatre. This includes ramps for wheelchair users and the presence of Auslan interpreters and deaf choreographers. Furthermore, audience members who are deaf or hard hearing are seated closer to the stage.
Virtual auditions can be conducted in either Auslan or English. To assist cast members who are visually impaired in navigating the stage, tactile markers are placed on the floors. The organisation also hires people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent to get advice on how to make improvements. For example, the sound system may be a bit triggering for some people.
As Chapman says, “At Stars and the Moon, we believe the theatre should be a space for all people. There is a way to champion excellence and have inclusion at the same time. One of the things I love about Stars and the Moon is that we are creating an impact on the cast.”
Creating memorable moments
“Stars and the Moon is constantly surprising me, and no two days are the same. I love the magic that is constantly in the room,” Chapman enthuses. “On opening night for The Addams Family, for example, I was just so amazed at what we achieved and how amazing the cast were.”
She adds, “I love seeing the impact the show has on the audience, seeing the impact on the families and knowing that we are part of the joy and love that the cast brings to the families. It’s an incredible reflection on the team and castmates to see their growth.”
For some people, Stars and the Moon is their only source of social interaction and community. The theatre creates a sense of belonging, and for many of the performers, it is their only opportunity to perform on stage.