Who We Are
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Barrier-Free is a non-profit, disability service organization that provides inclusive art, self-advocacy, and social programming to the community for adults with disabilities.
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We are most known for our Inclusive Theater Companies where our actors come together to create, rehearse, and perform original one-act musicals.
What's new at Barrier-Free?
Original Short-Film "Muscle Beach"
On August 6th, our short-film "Muscle Beach" premiered via Youtube & Facebook live. Thank you to our audience members for their patience with our initial tech hiccups and for the outpouring of support and love for our actors!
If you missed the live premiere, view the short-film on our Youtube Channel!
If you enjoyed the work and creativity of our actors, please consider donating to support our work at BarrierFreeMD.com/donate
We have already raised $350 - can you help us reach $400?
If you missed the live premiere, view the short-film on our Youtube Channel!
If you enjoyed the work and creativity of our actors, please consider donating to support our work at BarrierFreeMD.com/donate
We have already raised $350 - can you help us reach $400?
The reviews are in!
Check out some of the feedback and responses received from the "Muscle Beach" premiere!
International Collaboration
On July 25, 2020, Barrier-Free joined forces with Blue Apple Theatre to share a co-presented "hands across the ocean" workshop. Blue Apple Theatre is a non-profit company in the UK that "produces high-quality theatre, dance and film to challenge prejudice and transform the lives of people with a learning disability."
Similar to Barrier-Free, Blue Apple's programming has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis in our world. These shutdowns didn't stop Blue Apple Theatre's artistic director, Richard Conlon, from getting creative and seeking new opportunities for his actors. Richard began contacting inclusive theater companies from around the world, and in his research he found Barrier-Free! Richard, Britt, and Lauren began communicating via email and set-up a Zoom meeting to lay the groundwork for co-presented theatre workshop.
Similar to Barrier-Free, Blue Apple's programming has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis in our world. These shutdowns didn't stop Blue Apple Theatre's artistic director, Richard Conlon, from getting creative and seeking new opportunities for his actors. Richard began contacting inclusive theater companies from around the world, and in his research he found Barrier-Free! Richard, Britt, and Lauren began communicating via email and set-up a Zoom meeting to lay the groundwork for co-presented theatre workshop.
Once the date was set, we needed actors to share in this incredible opportunity. Christopher Anderson, Michael Eaton, Nicole Hurley, Jenny Laatsch, Jared Parrish, and Jen Shillingburg jumped onboard. These Barrier-Free stars committed to two workshop rehearsals, prepared costumes, practiced lines, and more!
On the big day, we spent a fantastic 75 minutes with Blue Apple Theatre, learning about their company, sharing in some of their favorite warm-ups, and hearing speeches and scenes that ranged from Shakespeare to Charles Dickens. Barrier-Free had the opportunity to share our story, inclusive theater process, warm-ups, actor insights, and a modified scene from Cosmic Crime!
We are thankful to Blue Apple Theatre's talented actors for sharing a creative space with us. Using virtual tools, we were able to break down distance barriers and accomplish what may have felt "impossible" just a few months ago. We now have friends and inclusive theater connections across the ocean!
Happy Retirement to our Technical Director George Sherlock
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We wish a very happy retirement to George Sherlock, McDaniel’s Technical Director who has also served as Barrier-Free’s Technical Director. George brought a rare, caring energy to the theater and made beautiful connections with our actors. Throughout the years George has gone above the call of duty to help Barrier-Free grow and thrive. You may have caught a glimpse of George behind his sound booth during our shows where he would run the sound cues for our productions. George also provided full-scope technical direction, attended all load-ins, shows, and strikes without complaint, allowed us the use of McDaniel set pieces, provided mentorship, love, and so much more. George, you will be SO missed at Barrier-Free and your impact will be lasting. We wish you many years of happiness in your move to Michigan with your family! |
Now Registering!
Check Out Our Work
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Clip from Inclusive Theater Company A's show, A Spooktacular House Party (2019). Written and directed by Britt Burr.
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If my son is "off" or quiet, never once has Britt given up, or gotten discouraged. She is patient, and knows he'll find his words. She believes in him.... and continues to have an extraordinary impact on my sons world, |
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Barrier-Free actors Mike Eaton and Alex White in What it Means to be Super (2019).
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Copyright © Barrier-Free 501(c)(3) All rights reserved.
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Website Design by Lauren Burr
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Mail: 23219 Stringtown Rd #373 Clarksburg, MD 20871 | Email: info@barrierfreemd.com | Phone: 410-596-0857
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Barrier-Free is committed to providing access to our web pages for individuals with disabilities. The content of this site has been tested for usability and accessibility using a combination of standards-based, automated procedures and accepted heuristic methods. We make every effort to comply with the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Compliance is an ongoing process and we encourage notification when information on our website is inaccessible. If for any reason you are having difficulty accessing any of our resources please contact Lauren Burr, Director of Operations at laurenburr@barrierfreemd.com.