Launch of Performers with Disabilities Website Allows Voices to Soar

Performers with disabilities are joining forces to officially launch the new website www.performerswithdisabilities.com.

Actors Teal Sherer and Danny Murphy created the website with the intent to promote performers with disabilities and now they're willingly sharing it with a growing online audience to help fellow artists.

Sherer, who serves as the site's Webmaster, is proud of the website because it elevates media exposure for all performers with disabilities (PWDs).

"The purpose of the PWD website is to give PWDs, who are for the most part invisible in the entertainment industry, a voice. It's a platform that allows us to communicate who we are, what our goals are, and to showcase the wonderful things we've accomplished. The website was created by actors with disabilities and not a government run agency," Sherer noted. "The PWD website also supports the mission of the I AM PWD CAMPAIGN - which calls for the inclusion of performers with disabilities in the arts and media. By letting the world know that we exist and that we have many talents and are doing some amazing things with them, hopefully change will begin to happen."

Unique in its approach, the website includes professional photo sharing and online links for PWDs.

"The 'Performers' page was created to help market the many talented actors with disabilities. As you can see there's a diverse range of race, age, and type of disability. I hope that when producers and casting directors are looking for talent for their film, TV show, play, etc., that they will consider using the actors on this page. It may even inspire them to create a character for one of these actors - the possibilities are endless," Sherer shared. "Because of the PWD website I was called in to audition for Dustin Hoffman. He was directing and starring in a stage performance called 'American Voices: Spirit of Revolution.' They specifically wanted a person with a disability for one of the roles, and found me on the website. I booked the part! I encourage more actors with disabilities to email us their information so we can include them on this page."

Sherer hopes the launch of the PWD website will encourage others to gain media exposure. "It's really important that PWDs get out there and let their voices be heard. Nothing is going to change for us unless we do. I encourage PWDs to have a website, start creating their own short films and web-series - or put on a play. My theatre company (Blue Zone Productions), which was formed my me and two other actors with disabilities, is producing the play, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' The play stars three actors with disabilities, who most likely would have never been cast in these roles. We are taking matters into our own hands! It feels really good too - especially when we are in a business where you often have little or no control."

While performers with disabilities rarely gain media attention compared to other performers in the entertainment industry, articles have been compiled and links are being posted on the PWD website. Sherer wants to make these stories available to readers and writers worldwide.

"It's important for people to see the variety of talent that performers with disabilities possess and to hear their stories. The stories of people with disabilities are rarely told and if they are, the person is glorified as being inspirational or is felt sorry for. If we inspire you that's great, but that is not our goal." Sherer reminded, "We are people, just like everyone else, who are trying to live our lives to the fullest. We want the same opportunities as everyone else."

For more information on Performers with Disabilities visit www.performerswithdisabilities.com.

For more information on upcoming theatre performances visit www.bluezoneproductions.com.

For more information on the I AM PWD Campaign visit www.iampwd.org.

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