September Bulletin

9/14/2020

Season kicks off next week!

Join us on Zoom this fall for an engaging performance arts class.

Company A - 6 spots remain
Company B - 11 spots remain

We currently have actors enrolled from 3 different states!

Click Here to Register

September Social Clubs

Space for this social club is strictly limited to 10 people to ensure group size restrictions are followed. We will follow social distancing procedures during the event.

4 spots remaining!

Currently, masks are not required for outdoor activities in Maryland. Please wear a mask when arriving, but mask-wearing will not be required for the duration of the event specifically while we are playing kickball, etc.

If you are not a fan of kickball, feel free to come just to hang out and see friends, participation in kickball is not required.

Click Here to Register

This month we'll be working together to solve the virtual escape room - “Escaping Magic Kingdom”
⁣
Social Club is available to participants of all abilities - new and returning.⁣
⁣
The Zoom link will be emailed directly to you prior to our Social Club.⁣

Click Here to Register

New Blog Post

Barrier-Free's blogger Emilyanne Wachter shared some exceptional tips for students with disabilities preparing for the year ahead.

See the full post on the Barrier-Free blog.

Check-Ins with Mike

You may have received a call recently from Michael (Mike) Eaton, a veteran Barrier-Free actor and now assistant teaching artist. While COVID-19 has kept us apart, Mike has been diligently calling to check-in on his Barrier-Free friends to see how they're doing and let them know how much they are missed.

These calls help keep our Barrier-Free actors connected while Mike is able to polish and practice his work-place professional skills.

Thank you Mike for your commitment to your friends and Barrier-Free!

A Message from our Staff

Our staff recently met to plan and prepare for the upcoming season. We can't wait to see you all on Zoom to create, express, and achieve together!

See full staff bios here.

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Let's Perform on Zoom!

8/17/2020

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It's official! We'll see you on Zoom!

After reviewing the survey responses and recommendations from local and state health officials, Barrier-Free has decided to hold our fall program, "The Art of Performing" via Zoom.

Here are some of the survey results from the Actor & Parent Survey that were heavily considered in our decision making.

Some other factors involved in our decision include:

Maryland group size restrictions of 10 individuals
Considerations with comfort/ability for our actors to wear masks
Actors/staff with additional health considerations that pose greater COVID-19 risk

In our survey, we also asked for input regarding an appropriate length for a Zoom class.

Based on survey results and experiences with our summer Actors & Puppeteers class, we have decided that "The Art of Performing" will run for one hour from 6:30 - 7:30pm.

Company A will meet Sept. 14 - Dec. 14 from 6:30 - 7:30 (skipping Nov. 23)
Company B will meet Sept. 16 - Dec. 16 from 6:30 - 7:30 (skipping Nov 25)

Zoom class will incorporate acting, singing, dancing, and social interaction!

So what's next?

  If you're already registered for "The Art of Performing" and you're happy to attend via Zoom - you don't need to do anything.  Further information will be sent in the coming weeks.

  If you're already registered for "The Art of Performing" and you do not want to attend via Zoom, send us an email and we will cancel your registration with a full refund - no questions asked!

If you're not registered and want to reserve your spot on Zoom now click the appropriate link below:
Company A for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Company B for adults with autism

If you're not registered and you don't think you or your actor would benefit from Zoom.  We ask you to please give the class a two-week trial period. Have you seen the movie performed by our actors during "Actors & Puppeteers?" We can create some amazing work and connections via this online platform. We promise our class will be engaging and beneficial for actors of all abilities. See our full COVID-19 refund policy at BarrierFreeMD.com/enroll.

If you have a dual diagnosis and you're usually enrolled in both Companies, feel free to enroll in both again. Although both companies will incorporate all performance elements, the final products will be unique for each company. Please reach out to Britt (brittburr@barrierfreemd.com) with questions about eligibility for dual enrollment.

While our companies will meet via Zoom, we understand the need and desire for in-person interaction.

Barrier-Free plans to hold limited enrollment, low-cost, in-person outdoor social clubs in the months of Sept, Oct, Nov, & Dec (weather permitting).

Our first in-person social club will be Kickball & Lemonade in the park on a Saturday in September. Stay tuned to your email for more details and registration opportunities soon.

Virtual social clubs will also continue on a monthly basis.

A Note from our Leaders

To our Barrier-Free Family,

As areas of our society begin to re-open and move forward with safety provisions, please know that the decision to continue our programming through Zoom was not easy. We want nothing more than to share an artistic space with you in-person where we can act, hug, and perform our hearts out!

We recognize that barriers and health considerations presented to individuals with disabilities are often more profound. Above all, when making the final decision to remain virtual, we wanted to make sure our actors, staff, and families remain safe and healthy. While we would love to see everyone in-person in September, we know that making these changes for the present will benefit the greater good in the long-term.

Our mission remains the same, and we are committed to ensuring our programs are engaging and accessible, even via Zoom. If you or your actor are facing difficulties with navigating a digitally connected world, we would love to work with you to create an individualized plan for success.

Lastly, we need your help! Please consider sharing this wonderful Zoom opportunity and class flyer with friends near and far. By hosting class on Zoom, we are breaking down distance barriers and would love to welcome new members!

We appreciate your continued love & support of Barrier-Free's success.

Let's continue to create, express, and achieve together,

Britt Burr/Creative Director & Lauren Burr/Executive Director

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Programming Update - Summer & Fall 2020

5/16/2020

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Summer & Fall Programming Updates

Barrier-Free is making updates to our summer and fall programming due to COVID-19. The health and safety of our actors and staff remains our top priority.

Now Registering!

Join us on Zoom this summer! Actors will use puppets to explore two-way dialogue, social cues and interactions, and social inferences.

No puppets? No problem! When you register for Actors & Puppeteers, a puppet will be mailed directly to your home.

Click Here to Register

Updates to our Inclusive Theater Season

Please view the video above for critical updates to our inclusive theater season. Registration for our fall performing arts class will be coming soon.

Summer Improv - Cancelled

Summer Improv will be canceled and replaced with Actors & Puppeteers, our first-ever online class!

All registration will be automatically canceled and payments refunded.

Zoom Social Clubs

We had a great time reconnecting virtually with everyone!

Our next virtual social clubs will be:
Friday, June 19th & Friday, July 17th

Stay tuned for registration details & themes!

Check us out on social media!

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COVID-19 Programming Update

3/18/2020

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We are looking forward to finding new dates for our postponed Social Clubs.

We do not plan to cancel registration for Social Clubs at this time. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date (when determined) we will gladly refund your registration. If you would like your registration refunded immediately, please contact Barrier-Free directly and we will be happy to do so.

All Talent Showcase registration will be canceled and refunded.

Please stay safe and healthy everyone! Keep an eye out on our Social Media in the coming days for new, fun ways to stay connected during this break.

Feeling bummed?
Register for Summer Improv!

Improvisational acting helps build confidence and flexibility in our actors, skills that directly translate to the workplace and daily life. Plus, it's just great summer fun!

Click Here to Register

THANK YOU!

We are so thankful for your continued support to keep Barrier-Free afloat during this scary and uncertain time.

Donate Now

Keep an eye out!

We are still seeking a time to reschedule Cosmic Crime & Island Mayhem.

We will keep everyone posted about developments as we have them.

We wish everyone good health and safety.

Love, Barrier-Free

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February Newsletter

2/22/2020

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February Newsletter

Inclusive theater shows

Social club
Talent Showcase

Upcoming parent/counselor meeting

Intern spotlight

Purple bucket campaign

Cosmic Crime & Island Mayhem

Barrier-Free Company A & B actors have been working for 6 months to create and rehearse their original one-act musicals.

We invite you to see our upcoming shows on March 14th and 15th at McDaniel Alumni Hall Theater!

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $5.

We hope to see you there!

Click Here to Reserve Your Tickets Online

We are seeking your input!

Please take a moment to give us your input about Barrier-Free merchandise.

No personal information requested.

Click Here to Give Us Your Input

Social Clubs

Barrier-Free Social Clubbers recently enjoyed two awesome Social Clubs to Meltdown DIY Studio in January and Dave & Buster's in February!

Social Club is a Barrier-Free program for adults 18+ with disabilities to share in a monthly outing with friends. Social Club promotes friendship, social skills, and independence in society.

Many thanks to our awesome staff Evan Darr, Laura Stall, & Grace Thompson for helping to staff these events.

Visit our Social Club Gallery to see all the highlights!

Want in on the Social Club fun?

Join us for Hibachi Hangout! Cost to register is $10 as this is a staffed event.

Please bring cash or card payment to cover your meal.

7 of 24 spots remaining!

Click Here to Register

Talent Showcase Now Enrolling!

Ready to hone your performances skills cabaret-style to create performance pieces to share in our talent showcase?
Have a talent you're ready to show to the world? Ready to work in a duet, trio, or group to perform?
This is your time to shine! No specific talents required!

We will spend 7 weeks rehearsing, polishing, and preparing our talents to share. The Talent Showcase class will culminate with a performance on the 8th week to share our hard work with friends, family, and community members.

Click Here to Register

Are you a parent or counselor of an Inclusive Theater Company actor?

Join us at our upcoming updates meeting for next season!

Intern Spotlight - Jasmine White

Jasmine is a junior and psychology major at McDaniel College. In her downtime, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She looks forward every week to working with such an awesome group of people and is grateful for the opportunity to work with Barrier-Free.

Purple Bucket Campaign Kicks Off March 1st

Beginning March 1st Barrier-Free's direct donation campaign kicks off!

Our campaign goal is $2000.

We are campaigning to keep our programs high-quality, affordable, and accessible for years to come.

Did you know our Inclusive Theater Companies and Classes cost less than $10 per class/rehearsal?

Tuition for companies and classes cover only a small portion of Barrier-Free's operational costs. We are largely sustained through generous donations and community partnerships.

We appreciate your contributions and support to spread the word about our campaign.

Why the purple bucket? Read our story to find out!

Uploaded by Lauren Burr

Lauren serves as Barrier-Free's Director of Operations. As part of her position, she manages Barrier-Free email campaigns which she shares and preserves on Barrier-Free's blog.

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A Look Back on 2019... Barrier-Free's Year in Review

12/31/2019

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Looking back on 2019...
Barrier-Free's Year in Review

Pictured above left to right - Sam Silverman, Jen Shillingburg (Assistant Director Co. B), Jared Parrish, & Josh Shoop.

This year we welcomed 8 new participants to the Barrier-Free family - 4x more than our typical growth!

Pictured left to right - Jenny Laatsch, Grace Thompson (Movement Director), Nicole Hurley, & Katia Anderson.

Barrier-Free doubled our staff by bringing on 3 new incredible staff members.

Pictured Above Left to Right - Mike Eaton (Barrier-Free Promoter), Alex White, Geoffrey Wolf, Nicole Hurley, Chris Anderson
Pictured Below Left to Right - Alex White, Mike Eaton (Barrier-Free Promoter), Tyler Ellyson, Sam Silverman

We created and performed two original plays - A Spooktacular House Party and What it Means to Be Super.

Pictured Above -Summer Improv Showcase Ensemble

Gary Jolbitado, Barrier-Free Teaching Artist, led our well-loved summer improv class culminating with a hilarious improv showcase.

Pictured Above Top Left to Bottom Right - September's Ice Cream Social, October's Screamland Farms Outing, November's Greene Turtle Dinner, December's Trip to Hershey Park

We began Barrier-Free Social Clubs and had four awesome events!

Pictured Above - Lauren Burr (Director of Operations) & Britt Burr (Creative Director)

We became an official 501c(3) non-profit, created a new logo, revamped our website, increased our social media presence, and more!

Pictured Above - Gary Boyle & John Nuzzo

With your help, we raised over $1500 from 5 fundraisers!!

Pictured Above - Highlights from our Inclusive Theater Companies

Best of all, this year we shared innumerable laughs, smiles, and great times.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for an incredible 2019!

Pictured Above - December Social Club 2019 Group at Hershey Park (some participants not pictured due to riding on the roller coasters)

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We are Thankful for You! November Newsletter

11/2/2019

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Barrier-Free November News

Fundraising Updates
Social Clubs
Rehearsals
Intern Spotlight

Fundraising

Our Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser was a HUGE success! With your help, we raised $197.88!
Thank you!!

Joe Corbi's Fundraiser

Joe Corbi's Fundraiser is up and running through November 11th (Company A) or November 13th (Company B)!

Barrier-Free earns $5 per item sold.

Let's reach our $500 goal to fund our costume, prop, & set budget!

Orders will arrive and need to be picked up at the Westminster Community Center on Thursday December 5th between 5-7pm.

November Social Club & Fundraiser

Family and friends are invited to join us for this Social Club or dine anytime to earn 20% of your total purchase (alcohol included) back to Barrier-Free!

December Social Club

Carpool/transportation spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Carpooling participants will meet at the Westminster Community Center at 11AM.

We are seeking two Barrier-Free parent/guardian ambassadors to join us on this Social Club Trip.

Barrier-Free Ambassadors would need to be willing to:

- Carpool participants to and from Hershey Park
- Register and pay for the Social Club event

- Be a group leader for a small group of participants for the duration of the trip

- Have fun!

Email laurenburr@barrierfreemd.com if interested in being an Ambassador for this trip!

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are in full swing and our actors are hard at work to create the setting, plot, and characters for our shows.

Scripts will be completed by the holidays in preparation of our March shows!

Reminder!
There will be no rehearsal the week of Thanksgiving - November 25th & 27th

We wish you a happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

Intern Spotlight - Evan Darr

Evan is a freshman student at McDaniel College, planning to major in Kinesiology. When he's not interning at Barrier-Free, he loves to exercise and lift weights in his free time. Evan hopes that each and every person involved in these productions will feel proud and confident about the amazing dedication they have put forth through the process.

Evan interns with Company A & B. We are so fortunate to have Evan's energy, positivity, and dedication in the Barrier-Free family!

Thank You!

For your dedication to Barrier-Free. Your support, presence, energy, and effort are appreciated.

With your help, we are able to keep our programs accessible and affordable for our community and families.

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September Newsletter

9/22/2019

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Barrier-Free September News
Inclusive Theater Companies Kicked-Off
T-Shirt Orders
Social Clubs
Staff Announcement

Inclusive Theater Companies

Inclusive Companies A & B began this month. We have been focused on getting to know each other, establishing strong group dynamics of positivity and support, and improvisational acting skills.

Check out some highlights below from both companies!

Want to see more rehearsal highlights?
Like us on Facebook for daily updates!

Facebook

Now Accepting: T-Shirt Orders!

Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt $15
Available in sizes S - 3XL

Long-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt $17
Available in sizes S - 3XL

T-Shirt orders are due by October 1st!!

Please return form and payment by Monday September 29th or Wednesday October 1st rehearsal or email to info@barrierfreemd.com.

Cash or check made payable to Barrier-Free due with form.

T-Shirts can also be ordered online and shipped anywhere in the U.S.

T-Shirt Orders

Social Clubs

We're sure you've heard: Barrier-Free is now offering a monthly Social Club!

Stop by our first FREE Social Club on Thursday, September 26th.

Staffing Update!

Grace Thompson, Choreographer/Movement Director

Grace Thompson is in her first year at Barrier Free. She can be described as outgoing and loves spending time with others. Grace has been in many productions over the years. She was Mrs. Martini in It's a Wonderful Life (2014), Erin Schultz in Legally Blonde (2015) and Ophelia/Zombie for I Hate Shakespeare (2017). She has also worked on set design for Into the Woods (2015-2016) and sound and set for Drowsy Chaperone (2018) Grace has been in dance lessons and choreographing independently since 2011. She has also been performing as a singer since she was 4 years old! While a sophomore in high school, she was in a competitive Performing arts magnet program at Broadneck High School. While a senior in high school she competed in the New Jersey Drama Forensics League and became a member of the International Thespian Society. Since high school, she has been enrolled at Carroll Community College and taking part in their dance club there. She is excited to be a part of Barrier-Free this year and can't wait to create together!

Grace will be joining both Company A & B for our 2019-2020 season!

Make a Difference

Become a Mentor

Mentoring is the best way to get involved at Barrier-Free and involves direct, on-the-ground work. By taking on the role as a mentor, you are a part of the creative, inclusive theater process. Mentors assist actors on and offstage during rehearsals and shows, model appropriate social interactions, and build deep, meaningful relationships with our actors. Mentoring is the most rewarding, joy-filled work and a great way to give back to the community.

Mentoring involves committing to at least one Inclusive Theater Company and attending rehearsals from 6:30-8PM, September - March.

Become a Mentor

Donate

Your donation to Barrier-Free is essential to our success. Help us keep our programs affordable and accessible for all.

Your donation is tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt via mail within 10-20 business days of your donation.

Donate

Connect with us on Social Media!

Uploaded by Lauren Burr

Lauren serves as Barrier-Free's Director of Operations. As part of her position, she manages Barrier-Free email campaigns which she shares and preserves on Barrier-Free's blog.

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August News - Inclusive Companies, Social Media Updates, Staffing Announcements, and more

8/18/2019

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Barrier-Free August News

Inclusive Theater Companies kick-off in September
Social Media Updates
Staff Announcements

Company A begins Monday, September 9th.
Company B begin Wednesday September 11th.
Rehearsal Location: 25 Union Street, Westminster MD

It's easy to enroll:

Visit barrierfreemd.com for all instructions and forms.
Enrollment forms and payment are due by the first rehearsal!

Enroll Now

Connect with us on Social Media!

Barrier-Free's been working to expand our social media presence to expand our connections and outreach to the community. Check us out and stay informed!

Facebook

Twitter

New Faces at Barrier-Free!

We have new additions to our outstanding Barrier-Free staff.

Laura Stall, content creator

Laura is very excited to be working with Barrier-Free! She has always been passionate about working with people with disabilities, and after volunteering backstage for a few Barrier-Free shows, she decided she wanted to do more. As an avid writer, Laura feels the best way to help is to write! Her focus will be on the Barrier-Free blog and social media, so you can expect to see her observing rehearsals and shows, taking notes and drafting up a post for the website.

Outside of Barrier-Free, Laura works as an administrative assistant in Washington, D.C. You can also find her writing a story, or working towards her MFA in Creative Nonfiction. She is always writing, and very excited to use that to help Barrier-Free grow!

Jen Shillingburg, assistant director company b

Jen Shillingburg has been working with Barrier-Free of Maryland since its inception in Westminster and has been assisting Britt in drama therapy for adults with disabilities for a bit longer than that. She is also a baccalaureate of McDaniel College, with degrees in theatre and psychology. When not working with Barrier-Free, she is a life skills coach for individuals with disabilities as well as an after-school musical theatre teacher to middle school students where she and her co-teacher create original scripts for their end-of-term performances.

Jen can be seen in rehearsals, on the stage, and running around backstage during performances moving the scenery, pulling the curtain, aiding actors, and selling raffle tickets during intermission. Barrier-Free is well worth the extra cardio!

Moving On Up!
Barrier-Free's very own Gary Jolbitado has been pivotal to Barrier-Free's success in recent years. We are so proud to welcome him to his new role as Assistant Director for Company A!

Gary Jolbitado, assistant director company a

Barrier-Free's team is expanding and we still have other positions available.

Check out our job openings and help spread the word at BarrierFreeMD.com /jobs

Make a Difference

Become a Mentor
Mentoring is the best way to get involved at Barrier-Free and involves direct, on-the-ground work. By taking on the role as a mentor, you are a part of the creative, inclusive theater process. Mentors assist actors on and offstage during rehearsals and shows, model appropriate social interactions, and build deep, meaningful relationships with our actors. Mentoring is the most rewarding, joy-filled work and a great way to give back to the community.

Mentoring involves committing to at least one Inclusive Theater and attending rehearsals from 6:30-8PM, September - March.

Become a Mentor

Donate
Your donation to Barrier-Free is essential to our success. Help us keep our programs affordable and accessible for all.

Your donation is tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt via mail within 10-20 business days of your donation.

Donate

Uploaded by Lauren Burr

Lauren serves as Barrier-Free's Director of Operations. As part of her position, she manages Barrier-Free email campaigns which she shares and preserves on Barrier-Free's blog.

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Barrier-Free Blog

September Bulletin

Let's Perform on Zoom!

Programming Update - Summer & Fall 2020

COVID-19 Programming Update

February Newsletter

Uploaded by Lauren Burr

A Look Back on 2019... Barrier-Free's Year in Review

We are Thankful for You! November Newsletter

Barrier-Free November News

September Newsletter

August News - Inclusive Companies, Social Media Updates, Staffing Announcements, and more

Barrier-Free August News

Uploaded by Lauren Burr

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