ATA Organization Meeting: Casting Individuals with Disabilities

For our first ATA organization meeting in 2025, we are thrilled to have guest speaker Rachel Dibben discuss Casting Individuals with Disabilities.

Please RSVP to attend in person or Zoom and check out Rachel's Guest Blog on the topic

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening with Rachel Dibben, an accomplished arts professional and advocate for inclusion in the theater. Rachel will share her expertise on the importance of casting with an equitable lens, specifically focusing on creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Rachel Dibben holds an MA in Drama Therapy from NYU and a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory. With years of experience working with diverse theater communities, she previously served as the Artistic Director of Dreamstreet Theatre Company in Brooklyn, NY, a pioneering organization comprised of individuals who identify as having intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through her work, she has seen firsthand the transformative power of inclusive casting and the unique perspectives that actors with disabilities bring to the stage.

In this engaging talk, Rachel will explore how theaters can make more inclusive casting decisions, break down barriers, and ensure that opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Drawing from her experiences as an advocate and practitioner, she will address the challenges and rewards of working with diverse talent and why it’s critical for the future of theater.

Following the presentation, we will open the floor for a Q&A session where attendees can ask questions and engage in deeper discussions about the intersection of theater, inclusivity, and equity.

This event is a must-attend for artists, theater makers, educators, and anyone passionate about fostering a more inclusive and accessible arts community.

We look forward to seeing you there and fostering meaningful conversations on how we can collectively create a more inclusive theatrical landscape.