Disabled & Dramatic: A Phamaly Theatre Company Podcast

Today's guest is Jessica Swanson (she/her), an actor and featured dancer with Company. In this episode, Jessica reflects on her long journey toward the Phamaly stage, the people who shaped her, her love of dancing, and her views on making rehearsal spaces more inclusive. Please join us for an enthusiastic, upbeat discussion about boldly embracing the stage, no matter who you are.Phamaly Theatre Company presents Little Women, adapted by Erin Riley — Directed by Shelly Gaza, this adaptation captures the intimacy and vibrancy of the novel through a theatricality that is both timeless and newly alive. Audiences of all ages will be swept into a world of heart, resilience, and the enduring power of family and Phamaly. This literary masterpiece takes the stage at Northglenn Arts from March 19 to April 4. Tickets and accommodation info can be found at Phamaly.org.Chapters(00:00) Introduction(01:12) Jessica's Journey to Phamaly Theatre(10:11) Navigating Disability in Theatre(13:18) Why "A Chorus Line" Matters(16:29) A Dancer Dances(21:50) Future Aspirations in Theatre(27:07) Inclusivity in Denver Theatre(32:14) Advice for Disabled Artists(35:06) How to Support Jessica(38:54) What's Next at Phamaly Theatre Company?Transcript: In Progress

Today's guest is longtime Phamaly director, actor, writer, historian, and board member Mark Dissette. Mark shares about his 36-year career with the disability-affirmative theatre company, the truths he has realized, and the perseverance of theatre. Please join us in this thoughtful and eye-opening discussion in this latest episode.Phamaly Theatre Company presents Dance Nation by Clare Barron — a bold, provocative, Pulitzer Prize-nominated play that’s shaking up the stage October 9–19 at The People’s Building in Aurora, CO. Step into the chaotic, exhilarating world of a preteen dance team chasing their shot at the national finals. Fierce moves, big dreams, and raw honesty — this isn’t the competition you remember. Tickets are on sale now at Phamaly.org. This show contains mature content. Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/ca6f4783-666e-4b85-87f1-f1e787f8f4ef?lang=en-US&t=1b7277f0e33e9153e5faacb4249b2f89

Today's guest is Phamaly actor Trenton Schindele (any), a frequent face seen in villainous roles on the Denver stage. In this episode, we discuss the psychology of playing villains and outcasts, the ability of theatre to bring one's personality into the open, and how audiences and disabled people connect with the characters who feel like outsiders. Please join us in this thoughtful conversation while possibly twirling your devious mustache.This August, join Phamaly Theatre Company for Pippin—a bold journey of self-discovery set to Stephen Schwartz’s unforgettable music. Performed by Phamaly’s renowned cast of disabled actors, Pippin shines with heart, humor, and the search for your “corner of the sky.” August 7–24 at the Kilstrom Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets at ⁠phamaly.org⁠. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.PippinMusic by Stephen SchwartzBook by Roger O. HirsornOriginally Produced on Broadway by Stuart OstrowOriginally Directed on Broadway by Bob Fosse2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus. PIPPIN is presented through Music Theatre International (MTI).Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/1ff51a59-fa1a-4aa5-a5bb-dacd5da92299?lang=en-US&t=7e9eee8ec2f12f3ac4c54d882b4604c0

Today we're meeting Amy Marie Stewart (she/her), a freshly debuted actor with Phamaly Theatre Company! Amy came to Phamaly's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with a rich background in opera, vocal coaching, writing, and a love for musical theatre. Amy shares her long journey of self-acceptance and affirmation in receiving her diagnosis of Parkinson's and being "enough" to create Art. Join us in welcoming Amy back to Colorado and exploring how disability incorporates into performance art! Note: This episode was recorded before Phamaly's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in March of 2025.This August, join Phamaly Theatre Company for Pippin—a bold journey of self-discovery set to Stephen Schwartz’s unforgettable music. Performed by Phamaly’s renowned cast of disabled actors, Pippin shines with heart, humor, and the search for your “corner of the sky.” August 7–24 at the Kilstrom Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets at phamaly.org. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.PippinMusic by Stephen SchwartzBook by Roger O. HirsornOriginally Produced on Broadway by Stuart OstrowOriginally Directed on Broadway by Bob Fosse2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus. PIPPIN is presented through Music Theatre International (MTI).Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/86381578-9d62-425a-8159-ab1845b176e6?lang=en-US&t=81095aa12548a19b94eb39095a4aa8b8

Today, we speak with Keenan Gluck (he/him), a rising actor in Phamaly and the Denver theatre scene. Keenan talks about how he found expression and community in theatre, how he maneuvers his power chair to discover characters, and the discoveries he's made as an actor and a person. Join us as we reminisce on past projects and navigate the Denver theatre scene!Join us for Phamaly's Broadway Ball Fundraiser on Saturday, May 3rd, at 5:00 pm! Tickets are $40 and include dinner from Sam's No. 3, an open bar of beer, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks, a photo booth, performances, and a musical theatre dance party! Purchase tokens at the door for additional games. Can't attend the fundraiser but still want to support? Bid on silent auction items from anywhere, or donate to the cause! Phamaly opens Pericles: An Adaptive Performance for People with Cognitive Disabilities on Wednesday, May 7th! Touring in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, join us for this interactive, heartfelt, and playful production for people with cognitive disabilities featuring Flute Theatre of London! Have a cognitive disability? Join us on stage! Participant tickets are $25, and observer tickets are $15.Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/6616c752-9a13-4e17-9c03-49e9d746ac19?lang=en-US&t=d0071357a6356407d203469ca509ae8b

Today, we are joined by two of Phamaly's regularly featured actors: Sam Barrasso (she/her) and Romy Lopez (he/him)! These actors share their journeys toward finding their love of theatre at Phamaly. Catch this episode discussing the upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, performing at various theatre companies in Denver, and the exploration of stigmas toward people with low vision in this episode! Tickets to Phamaly Theatre Company's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are on sale now! This show runs at Northglenn Arts from March 20th to April 6th. Tickets are available starting at $28. For ticketing and accommodation info, visit https://phamaly.org/show/spelling-bee/.Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/ed63a692-fc27-4162-943f-01720dda862e?lang=en-US&t=dcf439e7d1cd5e439d865477fa8612e6

Today, we are discussing Phamaly Theatre Company's next batch of shows for the 2025 calendar year! Featuring awkward adolescents, princes, musicals, Shakespeare, and dancing, hear Ben Raanan (he/him) share all of the insider details of how you can get involved in the many opportunities with our nomadic theatre company! Chapters: (00:00) Disclaimer (01:17) Intro / 2024 Reflections (05:20) 2025 Season Overview (21:00) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (27:20) Pericles (35:43) Pippin (39:09) Dance Nation (44:11) Additional Season Info and Opportunities  Phamaly Theatre Company's auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Pericles will be held on November 30th and December 1st at the Phamaly offices. For more information, visit [https://phamaly.org/get-involved/auditions/] or email [email protected]. Tickets for the Sensory Inclusive Holiday with the Colorado Symphony and Phamaly Theatre Company on December 10th are $9 and can be purchased at: https://www.lonetreeartscenter.org/whats-on/sensory-inclusive-holiday-with-the-colorado-symphony-and-phamaly-theatre-company Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/b66c038e-f8f9-4346-9658-6ca236000616?lang=en-US&t=6d221959ac5b8e42f98c1b2a3477df89

Today, we are joined by Betty Hart (she/her), one of the co-directors of The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks, and Curls! Betty is a prolific theatre artist in Colorado and shares her philosophy of directing, her discoveries from working with Phamaly, and her experience in directing the company's first-ever all-Black, all-femme production! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks, and Curls runs from October 17th to the 20th at the People's Building in Aurora. Tickets are $27. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/funny-glorious/ Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/b66c038e-f8f9-4346-9658-6ca236000616?lang=en-US&t=6d221959ac5b8e42f98c1b2a3477df89

Today, we are joined by Gregg Vigil (he/him), one of the founders of Phamaly and the director of Funny as a Crutch! Gregg shares his journey through the theatre world, his perspective on the founding and legacy of Phamaly, and the comedic influences that he's found working with the disabled cast of Phamaly's first repertory production at the People's Building in Aurora! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of Funny as a Crutch is running from October 11th to the 20th at the People's Building in Aurora. Tickets are $27. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/funny-glorious/ Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/77a6aa75-597d-447a-9ff4-3b4001d7540b?lang=en-US&t=40a1dcdd105879d648c4c30be6c30e73 


Today, we are joined by a duo of dancers in the Denver disabled community: Jari Majewski (she/her), choreographer of A Chorus Line, and Candy Dungan (she/they), dancer-athlete and our very own Vicki in A Chorus Line! Both of these women head their own dance groups that focus on disabled dancers and explore innovative choreography. Catch this episode discussing dance in the lens of disability and see our production of Chorus Line before it closes on August 25th!Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Chorus Line is running from August 8th to the 25th at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $40. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-chorus-line/Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/0cc017b3-24e3-4b33-9ae6-95fc4b61cf92?lang=en-US&t=e1cdf5066bb63ecdb9e479b728148b6b
Feel the Beat Dance: https://www.feelthebeat.dance/
Roll Out Dance: https://www.instagram.com/rolloutdance/
Downhill Revival Email: [email protected]


Today, we are joined by Linda Wirth (she/her), a long-time actor with Phamaly and our very own Lois in A Chorus Line! In this episode, we discuss Linda's journey in overcoming educational and artistic obstacles with blindness, her engagement with younger artists, and her eagerness to hone her craft decades into her performance career. Make sure to catch this epic of an episode and buy your tickets to this summer's A Chorus Line! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Chorus Line is running from August 8th to the 24th at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $40. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-chorus-line/ Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/d9c58b10-fb55-45bc-811c-c317324e2fbb?lang=en-US&t=89acd9ed4a6cf661f1ba165c7dea1ecb Linda's Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Because-Blind-Does-Mean-ebook/dp/B08C4WTGN2?ref_=ast_author_dp

Today, we are joined by Shanae Adams (they/them), a licensed sex therapist, and our very own Richie Walters in A Chorus Line! In this episode, we discuss their attraction to the performing arts, their philosophy in sex education, and how sexuality and ability can intersect in how we perceive our identity. Make sure to catch this very topical episode and buy your tickets to this summer's A Chorus Line! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Chorus Line is running from August 8th to the 24th at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $40. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-chorus-line/ Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/0abe10be-bb85-41fd-a2fb-a2b3cc2d30ef?lang=en-US&t=76b768f9de6821f4f2220dcc7c1ed7c8 Shanae's Website: https://www.honestlynae.com/

Today, we are joined by Corinne Denny (she/her), Managing Director of Phamaly, and Jessie Lausé (they/them), the Puppy Program Coordinator at Canine Partners of the Rockies! In this episode, we discuss service dog etiquette, ways to support Phamaly, puppy kissing booths, and most importantly, Phamaly's BIG PROM NIGHT FUNDRAISER. Make sure to catch this episode before the big party on May 18th! Phamaly Theatre Company's BIG PROM NIGHT Fundraiser is on May 18th at the Jewish Community Center in Denver. Tickets are $25. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://givebutter.com/c/PhamalyProm Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/71251052-4f67-419d-9a86-24f986b3351d?lang=ja-JP&t=3b1ce1df8a9de2283ed323b87b2e9942 Canine Partners of the Rockies: https://www.cpotr.org/

Today we are joined by filmmaker, Broadway actor, disability advocate, and the former artistic director of Phamaly Theatre Company, Regan Linton (she/her)! In this episode, Regan shares her experience with navigating disability in the arts, the importance of fostering connections and community with disabled artists, her perspective of working in Broadway after leaving Phamaly, and her retrospective on her documentary film Imperfect. Don't miss out on this exciting interview with one of the most prominent disabled voices working in the arts today. Phamaly Theatre Company's BIG PROM NIGHT Fundraiser is on May 18th at the Jewish Community Center in Denver. Tickets are $25. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://givebutter.com/c/PhamalyProm Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/37e07ba5-408a-4489-b014-36bebdc64756?lang=ja-JP&t=b860c055059ac7bdb225c8ab3fe66407 "Imperfect" Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRKfrkXJr68&t=2s&ab_channel=KingsofDocs

We are joined by our very own Sherlock and Watson: Mel Schaffer (they/them) and Miranda Ireland (she/her)! In this episode, they share their experience with discovering Phamaly, what the production process has been like compared to previous work, portraying the neurodivergence of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic character, portraying the femininity in this retelling of the characters, and why you should come to the show. The game is afoot, so get the inside scoop in this episode and buy your tickets! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of Miss Holmes will be playing at Northglenn Arts from March 21st to April 7th. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/miss-holmes/ Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/63491a54-15fb-4023-b52d-35855de4fdde?lang=en-US&t=e76a79502ef436f01be9af3c4dd2de7f "Imperfect" Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRKfrkXJr68&t=2s&ab_channel=KingsofDocs Tickets to "Imperfect" screening on March 25th: https://denverfilm.eventive.org/films/65d8e5096b35ec072c30a25f

Local theatre artists Twanna LaTrice Hill (she/her) and Laurice Quinn (she/her) are joining us for our second episode! Both women have had longstanding relationships with the Denver arts community and discuss how disability has affected their connection to the performing arts. They also share their perspectives on how inclusion and diversity have progressed within the Denver theatre scene and inspirational figures they've had in their lives. Please join us as we reflect on Denver's many changes and hear the stories of these two amazing women in the community! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of Miss Holmes will be playing at Northglenn Arts from March 21st to April 7th. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/miss-holmes/ Phamaly Tree Guild: https://phamaly.org/phamaly-tree/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/d8e011a2-30b9-4e67-8580-0ae5ff79c284?lang=en-US&t=caa50362b5cdbe071022287fa1c9633d "Imperfect" Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRKfrkXJr68&t=2s&ab_channel=KingsofDocs

Joining us in our inaugural episode is the one and only Kathleen Traylor (she/her), one of the original five founding members of Phamaly Theatre Company! Kathleen and Graham talk about her background as a disabled performer fighting for inclusion, starting a disability-affirmative company, and the progress she has seen in the past 35 years since Phamaly's beginning. She also shares about how she met David Bowie and once was thrown out of her wheelchair onstage. Please join the beginning of our monthly podcast with the woman who started it all! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of Miss Holmes will be playing at Northglenn Arts from March 21st to April 7th. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/miss-holmes/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/635ae3dd-2145-4ef2-ba31-7651f2a2a63f?lang=en-US&t=76164432365c32b353cc6cb84f9f04e6 "There's Still Hope for Dreams" Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB6DxybpxYk

Produced by Phamaly Theatre Company, Denver's premier disability-affirmative theatre company. Twanna Latrice Hill, the director of Phamaly's Indescribable, joins us today to talk about her history in performance, her relationship with Phamaly, and how she approached this unique collaboration on a project as inventive as Indescribable. Be sure to listen and/or read this episode so you can join in on the excitement for this brand-new experience! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of Indescribable will be playing at the Aurora Fox Arts Center from November 3rd to November 5th. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/indescribable/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/97082721-8d25-4e50-bf75-2eef05d4601c?lang=en-US&t=d4da918d1a1261cfe739aa8555c7e1d7

Produced by Phamaly Theatre Company, Denver's premier disability-affirmative theatre company. Kennedy Isaac, our production's little but fierce ingenue, joins us today to talk about her experience working with Phamaly Theatre Company, her approach to playing the defiant and romantic heroine, and her experience in combining her acting career with her social media presence. Be sure to listen and/or read this episode so you can feel all of the romance when you come to our show! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be playing at the Kilstrom Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from August 17th to September 2nd. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-midsummer-nights-dream/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/a4bd4447-bc1a-49ec-a47d-abadd646f6a2?lang=en-US&t=b0e2a4e09dc9f070980d3ace353f2fce Kennedy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentuck_liz/ Kennedy's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@that_cripple

Produced by Phamaly Theatre Company, Denver's premier disability-affirmative theatre company. Emma Maxfield, our production's shrewd and knavish sprite, joins us today to talk about her experience working in the Denver arts community, her approach to playing the iconic Puck, and her journey to working in her first Phamaly production. Be sure to listen and/or read this episode so you can feel all of the magic when you come to our show! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be playing at the Kilstrom Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from August 17th to September 2nd. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-midsummer-nights-dream/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/dad4c39d-1542-44e9-b609-b9f78f2ed4bd?lang=en-US&t=2cf9facf719c9df7eaacba8671c6d3d2 Into The Fire Tickets: https://www.purplepass.com/?fbclid=IwAR0m3cUam9MA9a5U5zAuxBBwqtgwquql8bDNZI888qq_ApSraXBI4USMmDg#259344/Into_The_Fire-Into_The_Fire-The_Bug_Theatre-August-14-2023.html

Produced by Phamaly Theatre Company, Denver's premier disability-affirmative theatre company. Ben Raanan, Phamaly's brilliant Artistic Director, joins us today to talk about what brought him to Phamaly, his approach to combining the performing arts with the world of disability, and why he thinks Shakespeare brings out the humanity in the people who experience it. Be sure to listen and/or read this episode so you can feel all of the wonder when you come to our show! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be playing at the Kilstrom Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from August 17th to September 2nd. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-midsummer-nights-dream/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/361cad2c-29ca-42c6-a1bb-f42ce131cead?lang=en-US&t=480f19a6a3e9f8396ab4830ccdea23d0 Flute Theatre YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flutetheatre8012

Produced by Phamaly Theatre Company, Denver's premier disability-affirmative theatre company. Shelly Gaza, our production's director, joins us today to talk about her process of exploring Shakespeare's language, her vision of this production, and what audiences should keep in mind if Phamaly's A Midsummer Night's Dream is their first foray into Shakespeare's canon. What is iambic pentameter? What is "in the round" theater? Be sure to listen and/or read this episode so you feel prepared when you come to our show! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be playing at the Kilstrom Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from August 17th to September 2nd. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-midsummer-nights-dream/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/e3fe26db-e3ab-4b1e-8112-fb842d44bc73?lang=en-US&t=ef2b96be0b91beda7535102e13a0ab07

Produced by Phamaly Theatre Company, Denver's premier disability-affirmative theatre company. Alyssa Miller, our production's dramaturg and Shakespearean text coach, joins us today to give us a run-down on all of the historical context for A Midsummer Night's Dream. When did Shakespeare write this play? How is it significant? When does it take place? Who was Shakespeare? Be sure to listen and/or read this episode so you can feel like a smarty-pants when you see our show! Phamaly Theatre Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be playing at the Kilstrom Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from August 17th to September 2nd. For accommodations and ticketing info, you can visit https://phamaly.org/show/a-midsummer-nights-dream/ Episode Transcription: https://app.notta.ai/share/480aa242-b90a-47ca-a1c1-f48a2ecdbd9f?lang=en-US&t=2c891fc5c11c0ad17eb74db20391b05a