From KNBC TV, Los Angeles:

John Paizis, founder of Performing Arts Studio West (PASW) says actors with disabilities are increasingly playing television roles that until recently were played by non-disabled actors.

PASW is an arts program in metropolitan Los Angeles that trains and encourages 50-60 artists with developmental disabilities each day, offering acting workshops, music recording sessions, and career management.

The program prepares actors to audition for available roles. Nick Weiland, an actor with Down Syndrome, appeared in a recent episode of “ER” (above). Nick Daley, who has Prader-Willi syndrome, guest starred on “Saving Grace.”

“ER” casting director John Levey says using actors with disabilities “brings a certain immediacy, electricity and authenticity to the material.” “ER” has employed actors with disabilities for the past 15 years.

See earlier post here.

(Video included)

This entry was posted on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 am and is filed under Down syndrome, NOT2BEMISSED, Prader-Willi syndrome, arts/music, disabilities, employment/jobs, entertainment, television, video. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post