Help Inclusive Theater Grow!

Inclusive Theater of WNY:  Theater With A Purpose

A young man with Autism who started out frightened and suspicious, 3 years ago, excels in Improv class, accepts suggestions when writing group members offer them, and even laughs at himself and jokes with others.

 A young man in a wheel chair due to Cerebral Palsey attends his FIRST play--and the star is his acting teacher! And when we learn his paratransit is going to be 5 min late (despite scheduling his ride to arrive an hour early), the House Manager holds the curtain until he arrives!

At the end of a series of inclusive acting classes, a non-disabled actress who took the class remarks, "I never knew what people with disabilities' lives were like before taking this class!"

Many times people with disabilities--especially those with developmental disabilities such as Autism or CP--aren't even considered for jobs or parts in the theater. We believe that, given the preparation, the ability and the talent, having a disability shouldn't be a barrier to involvement in theater. By providing necessary accomodations to those who need them, inclusive classes and a writing group, we are preparing people--people of all abilities, whether they have a disability or not--for the REAL world of theater.

Giving people of ALL abilities, ethnicity, and backgrounds a positive and safe place to find their strengths, and to create something new. Started by parents and advocates who believe in TRUE inclusion, ITOWNY is located in The Foundry, a creative "maker space" in Buffalo, NY. The Foundry is the ideal home for ITOWNY because it affords the opportunity for members to learn new skills, build and design sets, attend Writing Group, acting and Improv classes.  
    
We are Inclusive, and we are changing lives. We are witnessing miracles. Your donation will go directly to enable us
1.  To continue to offer our programs at affordable rates, or FREE.
2.  To pay the fees to apply for 501(c)(3) status. Currently we are being hosted.
3.  To stage our first stage production--an original play--in a REAL THEATER. All parts will be open to all who audition, and if reasonable accomodations for those who exerience disability are needed we will provide them.

Your donation will make all that possible, and will help us to continue to knock down barriers to TRUE INCLUSION! We've seen the miracles, help us to keep them going!
.