SHARED STAGE COLLECTIVE

Lucia Forte, founder of Shared Stage Collective

Lucia Forte

About the Founder

Lucia Forte is a scholar‑artist focused on inclusive theater practice and disability advocacy. Through a selective, funded Lilley Fellowship capstone research project, she created practical resources for integrating actors with Down syndrome into school and community productions.

Selected Contributions

• Presented fellowship findings to ~500 attendees; co‑created a duet with collaborator Mia Rodriguez.
• Ongoing workshops and planning support with local educators and families.
• Manuscript: A Guide to Educating Young Performers with Down Syndrome .
• Educator Guide Manuscript (PDF)

Recognition & Training

• Lilley Fellowship Scholar — funded, selective capstone research.
• Hollinger Scholarship — Leadership in the Performing Arts
• Smith College Book Award — scholarship, leadership and service
• John Plant Book Prize (Ancient Greek) — three‑time recipient.
• Training: NYU Tisch (summer), Interlochen Master Class Program in Acting, Shelby Lewis Acting Academy; Cappies Theater Critic.

Programs & Resources

Inclusive Rehearsal Toolkit

Warm‑ups, communication norms, visual supports, and role‑adaptations for mixed‑ability casts; field‑tested during fellowship showcase.

View PDF

Partner Performance: Duet with Mia Rodriguez

Co‑created and performed a duet centering agency and shared storytelling as part of the fellowship presentation (audience ~500).

Watch Clip (add link)

Educator Guide Manuscript

Practitioner‑friendly guide for directors and teachers integrating actors with Down syndrome. Covers casting, rehearsal flow, sensory supports, family partnerships.

View PDF

Helpful Links

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

Leading advocacy organization offering resources for inclusion, education, and community support for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Kennedy Center VSA

International organization on arts, education, and disability — programs, training, and opportunities that advance inclusive arts access.

Open Door Theater

Community theater committed to inclusive productions with sensory‑friendly practices and intergenerational, mixed‑ability casts.

FAQ

What is an Inclusive Rehearsal Lab?

A rehearsal environment designed with supports (visual cues, sensory planning, paired coaching) that enable actors with diverse needs to participate fully and confidently.

How can schools get involved?

Host a workshop, pilot the toolkit in a production, or co‑develop inclusive rehearsal plans tailored to your program.

What does accessibility mean in performance?

Beyond ramps and captions, it includes agency in casting, communication options, sensory‑aware design, and collaborative rehearsal norms.

How are donations used?

Funds support rehearsal kits, educator workshops, guide publication, and outreach with families and community theaters.

Fundraising & Support

Your support helps expand inclusive rehearsal labs, produce accessible performance guides, and provide materials and training to schools and community theaters.

Sponsor a Rehearsal Kit

Visual cue cards, blocking icons, timers, and adaptive props for one production.

Underwrite an Educator Workshop

Train directors and teachers in inclusive practices and sensory‑aware design.

Support Guide Publication

Expand and distribute the educator guide to schools and community theaters.

Donate via Venmo