I am a theatre director in Sweden. I've started and developed a theatre that today is fully professional based on actors with intellectual disabilities. They're continuously employed full time at market wages, members of the actors guild, trained at the theatre academy and co-produce on equal terms with the finest theatres in our geographical end.
I have always stated that every role could and should be available for all actors. As I see it, the problem of cripping up starts when all actors aren't included in all actors. (read: actors w disability is not included in all actors). And as long as that remains a fact, the critique of normative casting is valid.
I am a theatre director in Sweden. I've started and developed a theatre that today is fully professional based on actors with intellectual disabilities. They're continuously employed full time at market wages, members of the actors guild, trained at the theatre academy and co-produce on equal terms with the finest theatres in our geographical end.
I have always stated that every role could and should be available for all actors. As I see it, the problem of cripping up starts when all actors aren't included in all actors. (read: actors w disability is not included in all actors). And as long as that remains a fact, the critique of normative casting is valid.
Great to hear about your theater program!