EPISODE 20
Spectrum Theatre Ensemble – How the Theatre Arts Creates Community
Spectrum Theatre Ensemble – How the Theatre Arts Creates Community
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1) Identify two benefits of having neurotypical and neurodivergent artists working together.
2) Teddy notes that he joined STE initially with altruistic intentions, but that changed once he got to know Daniel and other company members. What changes did he discuss? Have you had a similar experience with autistic people in arts-related activities with whom you have a relationship? If you are autistic, how has a new relationship with a non-autistic person fostered by participation in the arts surprised you?
3) Discuss any other experiences you have had for which the performing or expressive arts have brought neurotypical and neurodivergent people together in community? How is it similar or different to what Daniel and Teddy discuss?
Featuring
DANIEL PERKINS
Daniel is a resident artist and founding member of Spectrum Theatre Ensemble. He is also a sensory friendly consultant and house assistant for Trinity Repertory Company. He is a strong advocate for Neurodiversity in the arts. He holds a Theatre Associates from Bristol Community College and a Bachelor’s from Bridgewater State University. You can hear him sing on his youtube series Autism Sings.
While I have had my struggles, Autism has opened my eyes to new perspectives and opened up new opportunities. It is one of the many puzzle pieces that make up my personality. My hobbies include piano (I have to get back on that), reading, writing singing, sailing, and photography (both digital and instant film).
TEDDY LYTLE
Teddy Lytle is an actor, playwright, musician & fight choreographer based in Providence RI. When he’s not producing one-man shows about mental health, he works as Associate Artistic Director for Spectrum Theatre Ensemble.
I am neurodivergent with substance use issues and Borderline Personality Disorder. I was not diagnosed until after I started working in a neurodiverse setting, and that allowed me to sift through stigmas and misinformation much faster. It allowed me to have a better understanding of myself to be around people who processed information differently than I. We also made really thrilling and exciting art which is a passion of mine. As much as I like creating stories and theatrical arts; I’m a big fan of Video Games and they are a wonderful way to spend the afternoon
Show Notes
Spectrum Theatre Ensemble (STE) is a professional company of neurodiverse theatre artists, based in Providence, RI. STE was developed by Clay Martin, Artistic Director, in partnership the Trinity Repertory Company and Brown University. It was co-founded by a group of neurodiverse theatre artists with the belief that theatre provides a unique, collaborative venue that fosters societal understanding and inclusion. STE provides high-quality productions and sensory-friendly consulting. We interview Teddy Lytle, Community Engagement Director, and Daniel Perkins, company actor, about the culture, evolution and innovative activities of STE.
Tune into the Neurodiversity Matters Conference (NMC). The conference will feature experts and artists from around the country discussing important neurodivergent issues in society, happening April 16, 17, 18.
For more of Daniel’s work:
Finding Your Voice Video with Daniel’s Professor Robert Burns
Bristol Community College News Story
Wizard of Oz Sensory Friendly Story
Follow Teddy on social media:
@edwardspelledted