INCLUSIVE CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Darcy was invited to direct the first campus production in the country specifically for children with developmental differences at Northwestern University. Following a year of collaborative research into autism and multi-sensory theatre, she and the cast created an immersive, interactive experience with a lasting impact.

At the performance, each child was accompanied by an "adventure guide," who facilitated choices for an individualized experience. Guests were welcome to mingle with actors, sing along to songs, and touch anything in the environment. The cast was prepared to improvise based on the audience's interests and interactions.

Unlike "sensory-friendly" performances of mainstream shows, this production was created for neurodiverse audiences, rather than adapted to include them. 

"This is not just an accommodation--this is for us." - Parent

Next, Darcy pursued graduate study in applied drama in nontraditional contexts, and she made changes in her work as a teaching artist. She wrote and implemented the inclusion policy at Mudlark Theater and returned to Northwestern to speak about these inclusive practices at the 2017 Inclusive Theatre Festival. 

In addition to creating more opportunities for neurodiverse people to participate in the arts, Darcy emphasizes respect for all young people through inclusion practices and the provision of choice in all areas of her work.