The Who…
The most meaningful theatrical work you will ever undertake begins with Unlabeled Theatre Company. Delve deeper into your craft as you use your skills to amplify the performance of our artists. We cast career professionals as well as emerging artists from university programs to serve as shadow partners.
“My experience as a shadow partner has reminded me that you are never ‘done’ as an artist. There’s always more to learn, more to experience – and your approach to the work must remain open and flexible. I have more hope, which is no small thing. I see solutions instead of barriers more readily, and I feel so much stronger as an artist and community member.”
– Shanan Custer
The What…
Almost every role at Unlabeled is performed as a partnership. An artist with a cognitive and/or physical disability or who is neurodivergent is paired with a shadow partner. No one person in this partnership is better than the other. No one is “in charge” of anyone. The shadow partner’s job is to amplify the skills and talents of the artist as they create each role – together.
“Together, they perform the role in unison and work together in an absolutely stunning artistic partnership. I loved watching the interaction between the partners and seeing how they brought each of my childhood favorite characters to life. It’s honestly hard to explain exactly how this is accomplished as each pair had a unique partnership, but after seeing SPONGEBOB, I eagerly await the next time I can attend a production and bring friends with to experience the impact of coming together and truly making theatre for all.”
– Lettered In Theatre (Erica Skarohild)
The Why…
Our artists can achieve a higher level of success with a model showing them the pacing, choreography and staging. By creating and performing a role together, in unison, our artists and shadow partners show our audiences what people with disabilities CAN do. This staging model also creates a unified vision of the world we wish to live in. Life is better, together.
“It’s an amazing process by which the folks behind Unlabeled Theatre Company have made not just attending theater, but actually creating and performing it for individuals who otherwise might not be able to share in that communal experience.”
– The Stages of MN (Rob Dunkelberger)
The How…
This is a true partnership, with each person listening to the other and collaborating together. Each partnership is unique. However, the staging of the show is done to highlight the work of the artist. Sometimes the shadow partner is upstage of the artist, sometimes side by side, and at times, the staging has them interacting with each other as the sole character onstage,
“After the brief adjustment period, it feels natural to have two actors playing the same role, and even gives the character more dimension.”
– Cherry & Spoon (Jill Schafer)
Intrigued? Send your resume and letter of interest to begin the conversation.