April was an amazing month, as our youth musical theatre group, on the North Shore, presented Shrek The Musical Jr. to sell out audiences.

Key points of interest:

Over 400 people from the general public enjoyed the show (four sell out shows!)
The ticket price and participant fee was extremely low (removing financial barriers to participation)
People with and without disabilities who saw the show are asking if they can join Glass Ceiling Arts Collective (creating access to the arts for all)
People with and without disabilities have been asking when they can see another show from our Youth Theatre group (feedback suggests that the production quality was extremely high thanks, in part, to our diverse community of invested partners including Yoobee Colleges who built the amazing set and Kristin School who supplied many of the costumes.)

Shrek - testimonials

Glass Ceiling makes “a massive difference. It’s one of the few groups that I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with since having a child with special needs that includes embraces, accepts, and celebrates everyone for who they are and what they can bring.

Sadly this is still the exception not the rule in our society which is why it’s so important that Glass Ceiling Arts Collective exist. The positive impact that the group makes is bigger than the individuals involved in ripples through more than just the families into the community it really is something special.”

- feedback from a mother

“My child does not identify with a disability and I think the experience of working with this team is invaluable in her learning and development as a human being.”

- feedback from a mother

“Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is just wonderful, so inclusive - it makes my heart sing the way it embraces children of all abilities and welcomes anyone and everyone into it folds. There are children both with and without disabilities and they all come together and are embraced and celebrated for what they bring and who they are. They are cast into roles that allow them to showcase their talents and thrive- and as much as it pains me to say this I don’t believe a lot of these children would get this opportunity in other 'main stream’ groups.”

- feedback from a mother who has children performing with Glass Ceiling Arts Collective

“Seeing all the different kids working so respectfully and supportively together makes my heart sing. I don't know of any other groups like this that really encourage partnership and inclusivity between kids who identify with a disability and those who don't.”

- from the mother of a young girl who performs with Glass Ceiling and does not have a disability

“Charlie loves to dance but finds it hard to keep the beat, loves to sing but can't always say the words, loves just to be seen for the joyous, funny wonderful young man that he is. He thrives on connection and being with others.

There isn't another place or company he could perform with and contribute to. This is genuine, accessible arts that doesn't pay lip service to difference and that brings me so much joy.”

- Charlie’s mother (Charlie is a performer with our Youth Theatre group)

“Hi, I have a daughter who is 26 years old, loves musical theatre and is very interested to find out more about the classes you run.“

- from the mother of a young adult who has a disability and
would like to perform with Glass Ceiling Arts Collective

“I spoke to my mum that I really wanted to be in Glass Ceilings.”

- a young teen with Downs Syndrome who wants to join Glass Ceiling Arts Collective

“I absolutely loved every single minute of the show. It was incredible to see how much every single person on stage put into their performance and how much they loved performing. It was a very special, moving, emotional experience and one I will remember for a long time.

What you offer at Glass Ceiling is incredible. I love that theatre brings everyone together and offers opportunities to everyone.“

- via email