Englewood, Colo. , Aug. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Englewood, Colo. – (Aug. 7, 2017) – Phamaly Theatre Company and Craig Hospital have created a partnership to engage Craig graduates and patients, as well as the community, in thinking about diversity, inclusion, and disability through the lens of professional theatre.
“Craig and Phamaly have very similar circles in the Denver community and will now officially partner to elevate patients and actors – whether that is through traditional rehabilitation programs or through theatre,” said Tamara Arredondo, director of development and marketing, Phamaly Theatre Company. “We share a similar goal of empowerment and aim to bring focus to the individuals who face obstacles and need community and strengthening in various ways.”
As part of the partnership, Craig was the premier sponsor for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which ran in May, and is now the premier sponsor for ANNIE, which ran July 15 – August 6 at the Stage Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Comprised entirely of performers with disabilities, Phamaly is known for reinventing classic stories and creating moving experiences. Craig graduate Stewart Tucker Lundy is playing the roll of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in ANNIE and another Craig graduate, Regan Linton, who is the first artistic director in a wheelchair of a major theatre company, is directing the show. “I value every moment, whether it is on stage or directing, and treat each theatrical endeavor as a unique opportunity to connect with others. I believe acting is the ultimate exercise in empathy,” Linton said.
“ANNIE is more timely than ever, showing courage in the face of uncertainty. With beloved classics like ‘Little Girls,’ ‘Hard Knock Life,’ and the anthem, ‘Tomorrow,’ ANNIE reminds us that by coming together, we can make it through the toughest of times,” said Linton.
As part of the partnership, Craig patients will have the opportunity to join social outings to see Phamaly shows and participate in theatre programs at the hospital. “The arts bring a lot of added value in unexpected ways,” said Jake Manley, marketing and media services manager at Craig Hospital. “Theatre and art can be very therapeutic outlets for patients. In addition to supporting the shows, we will bring acting theatre programs to Craig, which will help provide context for participants to tell their stories, set goals, solve problems, and express their feelings.”
Additionally, Craig will support the 2017 – 2018 VOX program, which gives a voice to the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities. VOX, which is Latin for “voice,” is made up of different pieces of theatre that are written by individuals with disabilities. In the past it has been a stage production but this year with Craig’s support it will be a blend of stage and live theatre paired with video. VOX will premiere on stage in October 2017 with the videos available on the Phamaly website early 2018.
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Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rcbbvgm6e0cf9mj/AABD_Xj7DCCrP-T6XLfMYedTa?dl=0
Photo credit: Michael Ensminger
About Phamaly Theatre Company
Now in its 29th season, Phamaly Theatre Company is an award-winning Colorado-based theatre company that engages audiences in thinking about diversity, inclusion, and disability through the lens of theatre. Comprised entirely of performers with disabilities, Phamaly is known for their groundbreaking reinvention of conventional stories, creating what has become some of the most entertaining and moving experiences available to Denver audiences. Phamaly’s mission is to inspire people to re-envision disability through professional theatre. For more information, visit Phamaly.org.
About Craig Hospital
Craig Hospital is a world-renowned, 93-bed, private, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital and research center that specializes in the care of people who have sustained a spinal cord and/or a brain injury. Craig provides a comprehensive system of inpatient and outpatient medical care, rehabilitation, neurosurgical rehabilitative care, and long-term follow-up services. Half of Craig's patients come from outside of Colorado. Craig has been ranked as a top 10 rehabilitation center by U.S. News and World Report for 27 consecutive years. Craig has received the NDNQI® award in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 for the highest quality outcomes in nursing care in a rehabilitation facility. Craig was voted by employees as a "Top Work Place" by The Denver Post for the past three years, and was ranked in the top 150 places to work in healthcare by Becker's Healthcare in 2014. For more information, visit craighospital.org