Disabled or rather disadvantaged Canadian wannabe broadway actress

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:26am

Hey guys,
I was born with what they call Cerebral Palsy, which makes me walk funny, and consequently dance funny. Here's my dilemma, I luv luv luv musical theatre. But I keep getting doors slammed in my face of my disadvantage. What do I do? Please help!

[Amneris]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:29am

keep at it. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can not do something . Because people are so ignorant, they don't even take it into consideration that you might be very talented. Please do not take this in a bad way but, you could also audition for Nessa Rose in wicked. Or any female role that does not dance. Best of luck to you.

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:32am

thx a lot. Dont worry I'm not offended, I live in Canada, and am still in HS so I have a couple of years before Wicked even comes to Canada, I cant wait to see it though. Thak you

[Amneris]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:33am

and also, you mean to tell me that a HS drama teacher is so close minded to leave you out of shows? Youre a person with talent. Don't let it upset you.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:38am

And always remember that performing is only one way to make a career in musical theatre.

Don't rule out composing and lyric writing, set and light designing, directing, everything.

Performing is only one aspect of theatre.

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:38am

Welcome and more power to ya' hun!!!
When I was at the FL State Thespian competition last year, I took a Hairspray workshop with a girl who was severe disfigured and she was dancing right along to "You Can't Stop the Beat" with the rest of us.
Go for your dreams, your niche is out there

[Gothampc]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:39am

You may want to think about starting your own theater company.

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 1:28am

No No No! My Drama teachers great! I just wish he would have a little more faith in me as an actress/singer. He cuts me from certain numbers because of my rythmic incapabilities and often asks me if I am too tired or if I need to rest. But he's never ever left me out of a show. He needs to realize that I'll tell him if I need to rest or if I need help. I just wish there were more parts for disadvantaged people in shows that's all. Am I making sense?

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 1:39am

Hey, go for some film or tv work as well. There are LOADS of niches to fill there as well. Who knows, you may even get your own series and have Patti La Pone play your mother!

(Just one of many examples.....)

Go for it!

[Jwei123]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 1:51am

don't let nothing and nobody hold you down! you got it, girl!!!!
don't ever give up! your hardwork will pay off!!!

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 1:58am

Yea, TV would be fun, I'm thinking REALITY! LOL

[Doogie]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 3:05am

Updated On: 4/21/06 at 03:05 AM

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 3:38am

Hey Doug,
Thank you so much! Mine is also mild, but not so as to be unnoticiable. I have tried occupational therapy, but stopped because it wasnt doing anything except creating agonizing pain. Babes in Arms? Wow! I was in a local production of that show! I played Susie. What character did you play? We cut most dancing since the cast was made of 12 yr olds.

[bially082]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 4:34am

Don't be discouraged, but to be very blunt and honest to you. The competition is very very very fierce in New York. It's nearly impossible to make it as an actor, singer, dancer, if you start after age 18. Those that do are either beautiful or very very talented with no gliches. If it's noticeable I suggest you set your sites somewhere other than Broadway or anywhere in New York City if you want to play parts not for disadvantaged people. I know it sounds mean, but it's the truth. I'm really big on taking an honest self- evaluation before stepping in to something big, and honestly Producers, Agents, casting directors, etc do not care if you have a disability. You can and should still go into theatre though, so keep trying. More power to ya!

[cturtle]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 8:41am

attitude, attitude, attitude. keep a positive attitude, and you can do anything. and it sounds like your attitude is great! good luck!

[bryan]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 1:36pm

hi i have a learning disability and i towhat to be an actor on broadway but i got started with the natioanl theatre workshop of the handcaped if you what you can email me at bemtheatre@aol so i can give you the aderrss for it.

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 10:38pm

Thx for all your help I really apreciate it!

[Necromancer07707]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 11:21pm

http://www.ntwh.org/

I'm working there this summer.

[Winokur_fan]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 11:32pm

http://arts.endow.gov/resources/Accessibility/Lunn.html

I think this link is worth reading.

Posted: 12/13/04 at 12:38am

This really surprises me. I love it when the BWW community comes together and helps, instead of griping at each other. Good going, guys.

But on topic, it's all competition. Beat it. I have faith that you can.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 12/13/04 at 7:59am

Keep it up! We all have our obstacles in life, and each obstacle is one we must overcome. You may not make it to Broadway (but who knows?), but I'm sure you'll end up being one talented girl. The fact that your obstacle is a little bigger than those others have to deal with just means you will be all the better off when you overcome it!
You are the best you there is, and noone can be like you. Remember that, and I'm sure you will go far!

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 12/13/04 at 10:10am

Updated On: 5/27/05 at 10:10 AM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/13/04 at 3:35pm

Look at it this way....

If you're brave enough to get up onstage and perform in high school, which can be the cruellest place to do anything out of the norm, then you've already got what it takes to face the rest of the world. Acting professionally is brutal and fiercely competitive, but what about specializing what you are doing yourself? How about trying to get a government grant to start a theatre or acting classes for others with disabilities? Rather than being one actor with a physical disability in a show, why not a whole cast specially staged for it? That way, you still get to play wonderful roles, the disability is no longer unusual, and you can help others both physically and spiritually. There's nothing like acting to boost your self-confidence. Local theatre is often like a family and very supportive and nurturing. It would be an optimum atmosphere for a project of this kind.

[Kimsus123]

Posted: 12/13/04 at 3:54pm

KUDOS FOR YOU! sounds cheesy but reach for it.. NEVER give up :)

[sabrelady]

Posted: 12/13/04 at 5:08pm

Remember the Sondheim lyric" Everybody says DON'T!- Well I say DO!" Make it your mantra! Good luck!