His Way to the Stage, a new video profile that explores the intersection of disability, theatre, and personal identity, premieres March 25 in celebration of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Watch above.
The film, which profiles Obie Award-winning actor and writer Ryan J. Haddad (Disabled Dark Stories), features Haddad in conversation with Brennan Srisirikul, the founder of Disabled Down Center. In the piece, Haddad and Srisirikul, who both are gay and have cerebral palsy, explore Haddad鈥檚 self-created work in theatre, while shedding light on the broader conversation around disability, identity and representation.
Conceived and written by Srisirikul, His Way to the Stage offers an intimate look at Haddad's roots and journey as a theatre maker. Said Srisirikul, 鈥渄iversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are what make a thriving world. Celebrating Ryan, who I have known for years and whose life and work embody these values, is crucial for me. As a proud disabled, gay, Asian American man, I am committed to doing my best to spotlight those who are often left out of our society鈥檚 narrative.鈥�
"It is an honor to celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (and Month!) with my CP pal and sibling, Brennan Srisirikul," added Haddad. "Brennan and his terrific program Disabled Down Center are doing fabulous work to make the entertainment industry more inclusive, accessible, and representative of disability in all forms. I'm grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Brennan to discuss my life and career. It is especially meaningful to do so with a creator and producer who shares a direct, personal understanding of my lived experience."
Directed by Srisirikul and Dakota Ticheli, His Way to the Stage emphasizes the importance of visibility and inclusion in entertainment, focusing on the intersection of disability, sexuality, and artistic expression. Produced by Srisirikul, Aaron Glick, and Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick, the production team includes Demchick as casting director, with Ticheli as director of photography. Sound engineering is by Ariana Cardoza with voice over and editing by Jess Westman. The film's piano music was composed by Mat Eisenstein. His Way to the Stage was filmed at Perelman Performing Arts Center.
Disabled Down Center is a non-profit program fiscally sponsored by Musical Theatre Factory that aims to spotlight disability in entertainment through performances, showcases, video content, along with training and development initiatives. Since its founding in 2022, Disabled Down Center鈥檚 programming has reached participants all over the U.S. and as far as the Philippines and the U.K.
For more information on Disabled Down Center, click .
