I'm performing in February in "The Mousetrap" in Detroit Lakes, north of you. This is the first time I've heard of such a thing. I even have three words to sing, but a lot of the script is focused on me. The ADA for a community organization and production? I think I'll stand by what jillio said, as she, to my knowledge, has the most experience on this thread, so far, to comment. You don't want to get blacklisted and, suppose you want to pursue more acting in the future? Doing this will get you avoided and no casting director will touch you. Best thing to do is learn your lines and be very visual with the other cast members.
__________________
Pete
Pete, I am insulted that you mentioned Jillio is the most experienced with ADA laws.. what about the deafies that have experiences with dealing with ADA laws.. For example, I dealt with community theatres, and local theatre clubs for school children. Just because Jillio has the most experience with ADA laws, I may have more experiences dealing with the actual discrimination against a deaf theatre member, and getting what a deaf individual needs to have the show succeed.
Libraries are not the same as a community theatre. Librairies receive local and federal funding which places them in the position of having to abide by any other organization that receives federal, local, or state funding. Check Title V. Libraries are funded by taxpayer money. A community theatre is not.
Jillio, I was just making a point.. I was not saying that libraries are nonprofit community, I already knew the libraries receive help from the government, but it is basically nonprofit unless they are profiting from late fees. I was just saying if a nonprofit community doesn’t have the usual accommodations for the disabled; it can create accidents, or deaths. For example, I am currently a ASU student, and I am fighting for reasonable services for my education.. ASU don’t have the means to accompany a disabled individuals, and have caused life threatening problems... for example, that memorial union fire (at ASU), a handicapped individual bounded in the wheelchair was stuck in the basement, and was unable to get out without the firemen’s help. I am just saying if a deaf individual or a deaf patron is in theatres, it should have accommodations that are reasonable for everyone’s safety.
Unfortunately, that would be you.
Jillo, excuse me, there is no need to be “rude” about who knows more on ADA laws.. I have so many experiences with discrimination and ADA laws.. You would be surprised how much a deaf individual receives discrimination everyday.. I allow it slide by most of the time because it is not worth my time and my energy to fight. I have battled many battles regarding ADA laws with education, and yes with LOCAL theatres.. just because the ADA laws exempt specific situations but there are loopholes and ways to modify your needs and have a win win situation for everyone.
That would be useless. First off, the theatre is not covered under ADA law. Secondly, they did not refuse to allow this person to participate, the person chose not to participate. That does not qualify for discrimination in any book.
Jillo, I would suggest you to read everything again, and check your facts before you say this kind of comments.. from what I recall, scribbler86 said she was on the border of quitting or not quitting the theatre production due to lack of accommodations .
Actually, I doubt that contacting the media will do much good either. After all, the OP has chosen not to participate. No story for the media to cover. I stand by my suggestion. Instead of alienating oneself by making demands and threatening lawsuits when one does not have a valid basis to do so, educate the production and casting staff. Any onter way will only result in never being offered a role. Community theatres are very tight knit groups. Once blacklisted, always blacklisted. Act like an ass, and you will be sure to get blacklisted.
How would you know if MEDIA will not care? From my experiences, the media was eager to get the story out there regarding ADA laws.. Media wants the community to have knowledge within their community, and they are not heartless. Like I said, there are loopholes, and ways to get your needs without a lawyer or a judge. No one is threatening a lawsuit yet, we are just discussing how to get facts and materials to back up people’s claims on promises or no promises.. gathering evidence, and figuring out what can happen if you go with plan A or plan B or Plan C.. You get my drift.. Scribbler86 have tried on many different counts to educate the staff and the casting people, if you actually read what she said, she attempted many different methods to educate.. They just don’t want to learn and accommodate her needs.. just because educating people may work but it doesn’t always work in some situations like Scribbler86.
Obviously, you are ill informed as the poster to whom I was replying. You are sadly very, very incorrect when you state that "everything is under the ADA." That statement is false as false can be. Perhaps you should take the time to actually read the ADA document and how it applies. Community theatres are not covered under the ADA, nor are many employers, non-profit groups such as AA support groups, etc. etc etc. I could go on and on, but I'll wait until you have actually educated yourself regarding the ADA before even attempting to discuss the application of the legislation with you.
If they had paid employees, they would be a professional theater.