Making Dreams Come True

Autism Awareness month has ended, but I’m happy to report that DreamStreet, a theater group for adults with developmental disabilities, is going strong and gaining well-deserved attention. Founded in 1998 as a non-profit organization, DreamStreet Theater Company provides education and inspiration for special needs adults who are passionate about performing and creative arts. As the company’s Playbill says, “our performances attempt to break down stereotypes and illustrate the profound effect art can have on life.” (See “DreamStreet–Enabling the Differently Abled,” 12/11/15).

Last night New York 1’s John Schiumo interviewed DreamStreet Theater’s Artistic Director Aubrie Therrien for “The Call,” a news program, which featured her as  “New Yorker of the Week.” Last Saturday, New York 1 filmed DreamStreet rehearsing their upcoming plays for June, and talked with my daughter Sarah and other cast members. What does it mean to you to be a DreamStreet member? They were asked. How do you feel about working with Aubrie? I can’t speak for all the cast members, but I know that being part of DreamStreet means the world to my daughter. After graduating two years ago from Pace University, Sarah—like so many other young adults on the spectrum—has had a tough time transitioning from the nurturing structure of school to the indifferent abyss of the real world. No one offered Sarah (or me) any advice or preparation for seeking an internship or job; nor had we received counseling on where to seek relevant vocational training. With her school life finished, my daughter suddenly found herself with endless hours of unstructured time. Instead of attending classes, working on papers and feeling proud of her hard-won As and Bs, her enthusiasm and self-esteem began to falter —until DreamStreet welcomed her into their Thursday group.

Now Sarah sings in monthly cabarets, and she is also in rehearsal for two plays that will be performed in June. Sarah and her cast mates participated in writing the script for Dreaming Ever After.  In the second play, Charlotte’s Web, my daughter will be playing the role of the Goose, and she’s looking forward to showing her comedic side. Not only does Sarah have a new structure that is nurturing her interest and singing talent, she also has a new group of friends and a commuting buddy. Several times a week she and her friend Jeffrey travel together from Manhattan to Brooklyn for rehearsals, and then go out to socialize afterwards with Aubrie and other cast members.

Although Sarah has been a DreamStreet member for less than a year, she has grown tremendously as an actor and singer. Before DreamStreet, Sarah was “stuck” on singing in a slow, operatic style, using only the high end of her soprano range. But thanks to Aubrie and her team, Sarah has become more flexible and willing to take risks—no easy task for individuals on the spectrum. Aubrie brings out the best in each of her cast members, ensuring that the final production transcends the platform for actors with disabilities to become a true work of art. More than a director, Aubrie Therrien is a friend, colleague, and role model for her performers. She is also an articulate advocate for a demographic that the entertainment industry has mostly ignored. Although maybe that’s changing. Aubrie seeks to expand the future of performers with disabilities; she envisions a large, permanent space where DreamStreet members can take classes and gather in “a safe haven to learn, grow, and work together—and be paid for their efforts.”

Bravo to Aubrie for winning New Yorker of the Week. Even before NY 1 discovered and celebrated her, Aubrie had already won the hearts and minds of her performers and their grateful parents. For tickets to upcoming performances, go to www.dreamstreetnyc.org.  Shine on DreamStreet Theater Group! You can watch the full NY1 segment here.

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