NYC – Queens Theatre has announced that applications are now being accepted for the second year of its training program specifically for early-career Deaf and disabled actors as part of its Theatre For All initiative.
The two-week, free program runs Sept. 8-20 and includes workshops on Acting for the Camera, Acting for the Stage, Movement, Voice, Improv, Auditioning, and Commercial Acting. The program will culminate with a showcase, where each student will have an opportunity to get feedback from industry professionals.
Last year’s excellent team of instructors will return, including Vincent D’Onofrio (Netflix’s “Daredevil,” “Jurassic World,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Full Metal Jacket”), pending availability, Brigid Brady (Actor/Singer/ Teacher, Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera, “Gossip Girl”), Christine Bruno (Actor/Teaching Artist/ Consultant, member The Actors Studio, “Law & Order”), Pat Shay (Improviser and faculty member, The PIT), Stephen DeAngelis (Producer/Casting Director) and Liz Eckert (Actor and Designated Linklater Voice Teacher). Additional and/or new instructors for this year’s program to be announced.
Deaf actor Dickie Hearts, from Netflix’s “Tales of the City” reboot, was part of the first training program last fall just as filming of the series got underway.
“The experience I gained at Theatre For All really helped me navigate the shooting process and helped improve my on-camera work,” Hearts said. “What I’m most appreciative of and thankful for is how experienced the faculty is and how well equipped they were to provide feedback and insight.”
All workshops and events will take place at Queens Theatre, located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The program is offered as part of Queens Theatre’s Theatre For All initiative to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities in the performing arts, with support from New York Community Trust.
Actors will be selected through an application and interview process. Queens Theatre anticipates a cohort of 25 actors. TFA will offer both daytime and evening sessions.
“Our goal with this program is to support skill-building and to help actors cultivate relationships with their fellow students and with industry professionals,” Queens Theatre Executive Director Taryn Sacramone said. “The inaugural round last year surpassed our expectations in every way – we are thrilled that we are able to offer this program again, and look forward to expanding our artistic family even more this year.”
Gregg Mozgala, Queens Theatre Director of Inclusion, believes such a program is important for increased visibility and progress for disabled actors within the field.
“Queens Theatre continues to position itself as a leader in the field and an artistic home for disabled theatre artists. Representation matters. Not only on the stage and screen, but in training environments like this one,” Mozgala said. “There is no other program like it in the country. Queens Theatre understands that truly inclusive theater is about reflecting the experience of all of us.”
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Identify as a person with a disability
Be 18 years or older
Recent graduate, and/or
Actively pursuing a career as a professional actor
To Apply, please submit the following:
Resume
Headshot
Cover letter (1 page only) that includes the following:
Identify your disability (This information will be kept confidential and used only for planning purposes);
Describe your career path to date, including training history; and
How you hope to use this training to further your professional goals.
Application deadline: Monday, July 15, by 12pm.
Submission process:
Submit materials (resume, headshot, cover letter) via email to [email protected] In the subject line, write [YOUR NAME] – TFA Training Application.
Queens Theatre will reach out to set up an interview, either in person, or via phone.
Students will be selected and notified of acceptance no later than Friday, July 26.
Once selected, students will be asked to pay a $100 deposit, which will be returned in full upon completion of the program. Queens Theatre is unable to provide housing or long distance transportation, though a wheelchair accessible van will transport students to/from the closest wheelchair accessible subway station during the program.
Accessibility:
Queens Theatre is a wheelchair accessible venue. ASL Interpretation and Audio Description will be provided during the interview process and during the program itself.
Please direct all questions to [email protected]
