The Dream Takes Shape
In 1989, the theatre world was both my passion and my battleground. As an actress with ambitions as vast as the stages I yearned to grace, I faced a formidable barrier—one constructed over years of societal misunderstanding and neglect. In a wheelchair, I found that while they could summon a life-sized elephant onto the stage, accommodating my wheelchair seemed an insurmountable challenge to traditional theatre norms.
I remember a counselor who drilled into me to “abandon these unrealistic dreams of becoming an actress and face reality.” In her view, I didn’t belong on stage, and no one would ever cast me. It was a harsh reality check that many shared.
Years later, I often reflect on how I wish I could have introduced PHAMALY to her.
A Meeting of Minds
It all began over coffee with a few like-minded friends, Teri Westerman Wagner (Westerman), Gregg Vigil, Kevin Ahl, Rick Britton, and myself. Each of us brimming with talent, determination, and the shared experience of having our abilities overlooked. We talked about our dreams, our frustrations, and the absurdity of a world that could engineer spectacular stage effects yet couldn’t figure out how to integrate a performer in a wheelchair.
That day, the idea of PHAMALY Theatre Company was born—not just as a company, but as a movement. PHAMALY, originally standing for the Physically Handicapped Amateurs Musical Artist’s League (with a “y” to form a word), was our response to a world that often overlooked us. As time passed, PHAMALY evolved through a name change, briefly becoming the Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artist’s League when it became obvious we were not amateurs. Eventually, like KFC, we simplified to PHAMALY, solidifying our reputation as a well-established theatre company.
Building the Foundation
Starting a theatre company is no small feat, but starting one that champions actors with disabilities required a special kind of tenacity. We faced endless questions: How would we fund it? Who would join us? How could we prove to the world that this wasn’t just a novelty, but a legitimate and necessary venture? We had our doubts, our late-night debates, and our moments of sheer exhaustion. Yet, the belief in our mission never wavered. We were going to show the world that talent knows no bounds.
One day, Gregg Vigil excitedly shared news of a TV advertisement he saw. The State of Colorado was offering grants for new arts organizations—an ideal opportunity to hone our grant-writing skills. Despite skepticism, given our small company of just seven people, my experience writing grants for NIH oncology fellowships paid off when PHAMALY received a surprising $3,300 check. Now, we faced the challenge of putting on a show!
We reached out to alumni from our school, Boettcher School for Crippled Children, rallying them to join us. Our choir teacher, Ms. Jeannie Sonnleitner, who had championed performing arts for us in school, sparked our love for theatre. Many former students answered our call, but we still lacked enough actors for productions like “Guys and Dolls” or “A Chorus Line,” our first choice.
Undeterred, we organized a fundraising costume party—attendees dressed as their favorite play or musical characters. I remember going as Glinda the Good Witch from “The Wizard of Oz.” We hit the streets, recruiting anyone with a disability who sang or danced, persuading them to join our cast. Eventually, we assembled enough actors to make it happen, though my best friend and co-founder, Teri Westerman Wagner, heroically played multiple roles to fill the gaps.
Our First Production
Our inaugural production of Guys and Dolls was a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and unexpected challenges. We chose a classic musical—something that would capture the hearts and imaginations of our audience.
Rehearsals were a blend of creativity and logistical wizardry. We adapted choreography, designed sets that were accessible, and worked tirelessly to ensure that every performer, regardless of their disability, could shine.
On opening night, as the curtain rose, I felt a surge of pride and anticipation. This was our moment to prove that we belonged on that stage. I pinched myself to prove this was really happening.
Breaking Barriers
As PHAMALY grew, so did our ambition. We tackled more complex productions, explored innovative staging techniques, and continued to challenge societal perceptions of disability. Each show was a statement, a declaration that actors with disabilities could deliver powerful, moving performances.
Our audiences grew, as did our reputation. We were no longer just a theatre company; we were a beacon of change.
The Struggles and Triumphs
Our journey was not without its struggles. Funding was a constant battle, and convincing the broader theatre community of our legitimacy took time. There were moments when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. But every triumph—every standing ovation, every moved audience member—reaffirmed our purpose. We celebrated our victories, learned from our setbacks, and kept pushing forward.
Reflections and Legacy
Looking back on the journey of co-founding PHAMALY Theatre Company, I see a tapestry of perseverance, creativity, and unyielding spirit. We changed not only the lives of our performers but also the perceptions of countless audience members. We demonstrated that disability is not a limitation but a unique perspective that enriches the arts. Our legacy is one of breaking barriers, challenging norms, and proving that the stage is big enough for everyone.
The Future Beckons
As PHAMALY continues to grow and evolve, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future. The seeds we planted in 1989 have grown into a vibrant, flourishing community. New generations of actors with disabilities are taking the stage, inspired by the trail we blazed. The challenges of integrating performers with disabilities are being met with innovation and open-mindedness.
The journey is far from over, but the path is clearer than ever.
A Personal Note
Being nominated twice for Best Actress in a Musical in Colorado for my roles in SIDE SHOW and URINETOWN was a significant honor. While I didn’t win, the recognition through these nominations speaks volumes about the impact of my performances and the acknowledgment of my contributions to the local theatre scene.
I plan to write about my experience in SIDE SHOW in another post. It was a transformative journey for me, and I look forward to revisiting and sharing that impactful experience.
Another momentous occasion was all co-founders receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Theatre Guild in 2023. It remains a cherished memory for the founders of PHAMALY. The gorgeous award now proudly graces my fireplace mantle, symbolizing years of dedication to advancing accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. It stands as a testament to our collective journey and the impact of PHAMALY's mission on the Colorado theatre community and beyond.
Co-founding PHAMALY Theatre Company was more than a professional achievement; it was a personal victory. It was the realization of a dream that talent and passion could overcome prejudice and barriers. To every performer who has taken the stage with PHAMALY, to every audience member who has opened their heart to our message, and to every supporter who has believed in our mission—thank you. Together, we have shown that the theatre, and the world, is a place where everyone’s story can be told.
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