questions for disabled actors and actresses?

Shelley asked:


Maybe I’m the only one here involved in theatre but I sure hope not.
When preparing for a show have you developed unique ways to get around your disability? ( ex. if you have trouble reading recording your lines on tape)

Do you bring anything into the dressing room to help you out?

how do you find playing able bodied characters? is it second nature to you or is it harder?

Do you feel you don’t get the roles you deserve because of your disability?

When you audition do you tell the director you’re disabled?

Do you think your disability helps you as an actor or hinders you?

Any tips or lessons from the stage you care to share?

I’m curious as to how other disabled theatre people are making out. Please share your stories.
I might as well answer my own questions it’s only fair right.

When preparing for a show have you developed unique ways to get around your disability?

I sometimes bring crutches to rehearsal if I think my stump is going to cause me problems. Up until I started having problems with my stump I didn’t do anything unique.

Do you bring anything into the dressing room to help you out?

I always have: crutches, pain medication, extra stump socks, change of nylons, band aids ( incase of stump blisters) and sometimes WD40 ( incase I get squeaks)
and LOTS of water

how do you find playing able bodied characters? is it second nature to you or is it harder?
Most of the roles I play are able bodied characters. It isn’t that hard for me.
the only thing I worry about is my gate. I try hard not to limp.
some day I want to play a one legged character.
Do you feel you don’t get the roles you deserve because of your disability?

there was only one time I thought I lost a role because of my leg. It really bummed me out for a while but I got over it.

When you audition do you tell the director you’re disabled?

Most directors I work for know already. depending on the time of year the audition takes place and what I’m wearing they can usually see I wear and artificial leg.

Do you think your disability helps you as an actor or hinders you?

I think it helps me stay focused and work harder. I always have to pay attention to my movements to keep walking straight so it’s a good work out for the body and mind.

Any tips or lessons from the stage you care to share?

talk to the costume people to make sure you can move in your costume. Once I had to wear heals I wasn’t used to I went out to do my solo during dress and fell flat on my bum. now I practice in my shoes and they add straps to my shoes so they won’t slip on my foot.
I totally think more disabled actors and actresses should play disabled roles. But I’m asking about theatre productions, particularly local community theatre.