The performing arts is a diverse and inclusive place for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Many people with physical, sensory and cognitive impairments enjoy getting involved in acting, dancing, music, singing and many other aspects of performing as a way of expressing themselves, enjoying freedom and escapism and being whoever they want to be.
Emma Purcell is the co-founder and editor of the online disability magazine Crip Life™ and when she is not busy producing content and interviewing disabled artists, she loves attending theatre groups in her spare time.
Here, Emma shares her experiences as a wheelchair user and a visually impaired person, attending a variety of amateur dramatic groups over 20 years and how it has benefited her mental health, well-being and social life.
For most children, extracurricular activities usually consisted of Scouts and Guides or playing sports. But for me, living with cerebral palsy and later being registered blind, I found it challenging to find a hobby I could participate in and enjoy until I discovered theatre. For two decades, I’ve joined multiple theatre groups and performed in school productions.
I’ve never considered myself a professional performer and never would want to. This doesn’t mean disabled artists cannot be professional. As a freelance journalist for the past 12 years, I’ve interviewed many disabled actors and performers who have gone on to do extraordinary things.
I simply just love the fun of pretending to be someone different, escaping real-life dramas and forgetting I’m disabled while performing. Plus, I’ve met so many incredible people over the years and even made friends for life.
In this article, I would like to share my journey through my drama group experiences from a 10-year-old girl to the present day and some of the mayhem caused along the way.
Also, check out our interview with dyslexic writer and performer Debris Stevenson, who recently performed at the National Youth Theatre.
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