In a recent episode of "Arts for the Masses," host Ryan Malyar sat down with Sam Gould of Open Door Theater, to discuss their groundbreaking work in creating an inclusive theater space in Massachusetts. For over 45 years, this volunteer-driven company has been breaking down barriers and redefining what theater can be.

Open Door Theater was founded in 1980 by two mothers at a bus stop who envisioned creating a theater company where people with disabilities could fully participate. Since then, the company has grown and expanded its mission of inclusion and social justice.

"We're an integrated Theater Company," explains Gould. Their current production of "The Prom" features a cast of 50 actors that includes "a deaf actor on stage, an actor with a service dog, an actor who uses a wheelchair, and non-disabled actors—youth and adults together."

What makes Open Door's approach special is their commitment to not just accommodation, but autonomy. As Gould puts it, their mission extends beyond inclusivity to ensuring they "don't voice accommodation on someone without their consent." This means working with performers to understand their needs rather than making assumptions.

The company takes a mentorship approach rather than one-on-one assistance. "We pair a veteran with a new person, and that veteran could be someone with a disability and the new person could be someone who doesn't identify with a disability," Gould explains. This system helps integrate new members into the company's mission and community.

When asked about accommodations, Gould offers practical insights:

• Music stands on wheels that help deaf actors who need to use their hands
• Wrist tambourines that allow wheelchair users to participate in choreography
• Adaptive choreography designed for performers of all abilities
• Multi-modal communication of information to cast and crew

Gould emphasizes the importance of taking incremental steps: "Don't try and do everything at once because it's not possible to get it all done."

Open Door Theater doesn't just make performing accessible—they ensure audiences of all abilities can enjoy their productions. All performances include:

• ASL interpretation
• Open captioning using a projector that matches the set design
• Relaxed performance format that allows audience members to take breaks
• Audio description for those who are blind or have low vision

The company creates a space where people can become comfortable with their differences. "It's not shameful or embarrassing that I have a difference and am neurodiverse," Gould notes, adding that many teens appreciate finding "guys with autism like me" in the company.

Despite being an all-volunteer organization, Open Door Theater maintains high production values with Berkeley professors as music directors and former Rockettes as choreographers. They sustain their operations through grant writing, donations, and ticket sales ($20 per ticket).

Open Door Theater's upcoming production of "The Prom" runs March 21-23 and 28-30 at the Dragonfly Theater in Acton. The show embodies their mission, focusing on self-acceptance, community, and autonomy.

"It's really a very moving story about teen angst but also self-acceptance and community autonomy—standing up for yourself in your own words, in your own way," Gould shares. She promises the show is "laugh out loud funny with so much heart."

Perhaps most striking is how Gould describes the Open Door experience: as a "disability joy space" and "a space of community where everybody is doing their best and bringing their best self to create something together."

For more information about Open Door Theater or to purchase tickets for "The Prom," visit www.opendoortheater.org