Let's Perform on Zoom!

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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