Category: Newsletters

January Bulletin

1/9/2021

Happy New Year 2021!

Art of Performing Season II kicks-off this week!

We will spend the next 12 weeks on Zoom following the I nclusive Theater process to create original shows complete with scripts, costumes, music, and more!

There are limited numbers of spaces available in each Company!

Click Here to Register for Co. A

Click Here to Register for Co. B

Get out those dancing shoes!

January Jivin' also kicks-off this week!

This short-term commitment class is perfect for new and returning Barrier-Free participants. Music selections will be decided by the group based on YOUR suggestions!

No dance experience or solo performances required.

Click Here to Register

Lets hangout on Zoom!

This month we'll be working together to solve a NEW virtual escape room - “Unlock Disney World!”
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Zoom Social Clubs are FREE and available to participants of all abilities - new and returning.⁣

Click Here to Register

Shop & Support Barrier-Free

Shop Lilly Pulitzer at Montgomery Mall on Sunday, January 10th ALL DAY to have 10% of your purchase donated to Barrier-Free!

This is a store-specific event so orders must be placed with the Montgomery Mall location via phone or in-person.

All orders are able to shipped directly to your home free of charge.

Browse online at LillyPulitzer.com and then call 301-365-3426 to place your order or visit Lauren in-store between 12 - 6pm!

Check-Ins with Mike

You may have received a call or text recently from Michael (Mike) Eaton, a veteran Barrier-Free actor and now assistant teaching artist. Mike has been volunteering his time to reach out and check-in on his Barrier-Free friends to see how they're doing.

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

We can't wait to see you all on Zoom to create, express, and achieve together!

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December Bulletin

12/12/2020

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A Peek Inside:
Giving Tuesday
Film Premiere
Barrier-Free Merch Store
Art of Performing Season II
Zoom Holiday Hangout

Today is Giving Tuesday!

#GivingTuesday is an opportunity to uplift non-profits and support their mission by committing a financial gift as part of the kick-off to the holiday season.

Will you commit a Giving Tuesday gift to Barrier-Free this year?

Yes, I'd like to donate now!

Thank you for supporting Barrier-Free this holiday season!

Film Premiere Friday Dec. 18th!

Our Art of Performing Companies have been hard at work creating, rehearsing, and filming their original short films.

These short films will premiere on Friday December 18th at 8pm live on Youtube!

Company A's film Salty Seas will be Act I & Company B's film Family is Family will be Act II.

Barrier-Free Merch Store

November Bulletin

11/7/2020

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A Peek Inside:
Greene Turtle Fundraiser
New Class - Register Today
Let's Get Social
Having a Disability Blog
October Fundraising

Dine Out to Support Barrier-Free

Come out to the Greene Turtle on Market St. in Westminster on Tuesday, Nov. 17th to have 20% of your food and drinks donated to Barrier-Free.

Dine-in and carry-out are eligible for the fundraiser.

Make sure to mention Barrier-Free and show the flyer when ordering or picking up!

Registration Now Open

Our JOY class was such a hit, we are adding a second seasonal offering!

This class is 3 weeks long and will meet Thursdays on Zoom Dec. 3 - 17.

Registration cost includes materials to be mailed to your home.

Class Description:
Join us on Zoom for a class to spread holiday cheer!
Holidays plans get changed or cancelled? Let’s get together weekly to foster friendships, enjoy Christmas songs, theater and more!

This class is for adults 18+ with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism.

November Social Clubs

This month brings two new social club opportunities!

Our November Zoom Hangout will be Virtual Bingo! You'll need access to a printer prior to the event in order to print your BINGO card that will be emailed to you. This event is FREE.

On Saturday, November 21st, we will have an in-person social club to Hershey Park! This social club is strictly limited to 10 participants. View all of our safety precautions for this event on the online registration page. Carpooling is available and masks are required for this event.

Only 2 spots remain for Hershey Park!

Click Here to Register for Social Clubs

Fresh off the Press!

Barrier-Free's blogger, Emily Wachter, shares a raw & honest first-hand perspective on life with a disability.

"Having a disability means when I mask my autism I pay for it later.
Having a disability means the employer can decide to pay me less or to not interview me at all based on my application.
Having a disability is worry about if I’ll secure housing when I’m older."

View the full post at barrierfreemd.com/blog

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In addition to her work as a blogger, Emily is a lifelong writer and photographer with a passion for disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is the founder of Photography through Autism.

$1170 raised in October!

Thank you for helping us keep Barrier-Free programs affordable and accessible for all families by participating in our Virtual 5k & Lauren's Birthday Fundraiser - Happy Birthday to our Executive Director Lauren!

View all the ways to donate or give back to Barrier-Free here.

Stay Joyful!

Pictured Above: Barrier-Free Joy class participants

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October Bulletin

10/2/2020

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A Peek Inside:
Register for our Virtual 5k
New Class
Let's Get Social
Staff Announcement
World of Possibilities Disability Expo

We are excited to announce our first-ever Virtual 5k!

This is a virtual race which means you participate from anywhere in the world!

How it works:

Register for the race.
Complete your 5k in whatever way you prefer - walking, running, biking, etc.! Make sure to time your race.
Return to the virtual results portal by October 31st to input your race time and distance results.
Check the mail for your medal!

We hope you'll join us for this awesome Barrier-Free fundraising event!

Click Here to Signup

New Class

We've been having so much fun on Zoom, we are adding additional class offerings.

This class is 4 weeks long and will meet Thursdays on Zoom Oct. 15 - Nov. 5.

Class Description:
Feeling a little blue and out-of-sorts lately? Navigating life in a pandemic can be difficult! Let’s get together weekly to foster friendships, mindfulness, and joy during these uncertain times.

October Social Clubs

This month is FULL of social club opportunities!

Register for one event or all three, there's certain to be something for everyone.

Our October Zoom Hangout will be Halloween themed! Feel free to come dressed in a costume! This event is FREE.

On Friday, October 23 we will have an in-person social club at the Maryland Corn Maze in Gambrill, MD! This social club is strictly limited to 10 participants and has a low cost of $20. Carpooling is available and masks are required for this event.

NEW to the social club lineup, we will have a Virtual Gaming with Friends event on Zoom on October 16th! Nintendo Switch required for this FREE event.

Click Here to Register for Social Clubs

Welcome Back Evan!

On October 12th, Evan will be joining Art of Performing Co. A as an Assistant Teaching Artist!

Evan Darr is a sophomore majoring in psychology at McDaniel College. This will be his second year working with Barrier-Free after serving as an intern for the 2019 - 2020 season. Evan has always gone above and beyond the call of duty for Barrier-Free by taking on extra responsibilities that include set painting, social club mentoring, and more. Outside of classes, Evan is a member of the McDaniel tennis team and Alpha Phi Omega - a co-ed service fraternity. In his free time, he likes to hang out with friends and family, watch sports, and listen to some classic rock music. Evan is super excited for his second year working with Barrier-Free!

We look forward to having Evan with us again very soon!

World of Possibilities Disability Expo

Barrier-Free will be a part of the World of Possibilities Disability Expo at Westminster TownMall this weekend!

"The World of Possibilities Disabilities Expos provide an opportunity for you to enhance your knowledge and explore disability related products, services, technology and resources available."

Click Here to Learn More

Art of Performing Companies

We are having a blast on Zoom each week at the Art of Performing!

Make sure you're following us on social media to see all the fun.

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September Bulletin

9/14/2020

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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