Summer Expressive Arts Bouquet
Dear Theatre Adventure Community,
Summer Expressive Arts Camp was a delightful mosaic of: name games, clown ball, costumes, train rides, acting out imaginary stories, dancing, drumming, creating rhythms, building friendships, taking to the stage, working together, and taking turns.
Elijah boards a boat headed to Italy.
With a spirit of playfulness, Nettie guided wonderful explorations with the theme of TRAVEL. The actors practiced saying greetings from different countries with many different languages.
With Maria's help as the photographer, each artist had the opportunity to go to our Passport Office and have a photo taken with a polaroid camera.
Summer Troupe Members line up on stage to get imaginary passports for travel.
An artist looks at passport photo.
Travel journals provided focus for troupe members when they first arrived in the morning. They created collage covers and filled the pages with drawings and writing. Suitcases were filled with items for going on a traveling expedition. They created imaginary travel adventures on stage. There were surprises and lots of laughter!
Steve-o demonstrates drumming techniques.
Steve-o led TONS of percussion---guiding artists to feel rhythms and to create specific rhythms with their hands and bodies as well as with percussion instruments. We learned some African greetings while exploring the talking drum. Artists are learning to create group rhythms and to hold them-----and so much more.
Steve-o drumming with Summer Artists.
And to close out each day, during Microphone-Time, we celebrated one another, relaxed and enjoyed each other's artistry.
A summer artist singing and dancing on stage.
A Summer Artist performs during microphone time.
Steve-o and Brady create sound effects for the performers on stage.
Elijah and Phil participate in a theater game, passing the zing on in the circle.
It was a wonderful three weeks of honoring each individual artist while also enjoying the spirit of playfulness as the summer troupe.
Abstract artwork by Peter.
Theresa and Leif touch hands during a movement warm up.
A great big round of applause for all who participated in our summer adventure! And now on to our next adventure, the Fall semester!
The Summer Troupe 2025 Cast Photo.
Bravo to the Summer Troupe!
Danny Sullivan's Celebration of Life
Dear Theatre Adventure Family,
Danny, our beloved troupe member since 2012, peacefully passed away recently in May. Danny enriched our lives in so many ways. Please join us to celebrate his life well-lived with laughter and love.
Family, friends, neighbors, and Theatre Adventure folks will gather on Saturday, June 14, at 1 pm at the West Village Meetinghouse, located at 29 South Street, West Brattleboro.
My Sunshine Slideshow. A tribute to Danny Sullivan, October 9th, 1960 - May 5th, 2025. Narrated by Mabel Sullivan Danny’s Mother.
With love,
Theatre Adventure and Danny’s Family
Danny’s Obituary
Danny Sullivan, 64, of Hinsdale, NH left us peacefully on May 5th after a sudden illness with his family at his side at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH.
He was born on October 9th, 1960 in Dover, New Hampshire, to Lawrence and Mabel Sullivan. Danny, who was born with Down Syndrome, was raised lovingly at home with his 5 brothers and sisters and was a joy to his family.
He leaves a lasting memory of love, gentleness, and a sense of humor to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Danny is survived by his mother, Mabel Sullivan, a brother Lawrence Sullivan, Jr. and his wife Patty, a sister, Catherine Diduk, and her husband Paul, a sister Nancy Smart, a sister Judy Cordell and her husband Greg, his loving home providers Ed and Sher Sleeper and several nieces and nephews. Danny is predeceased by his father, Lawrence Sullivan Sr., and a brother, Anthony Sullivan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Let us together share and celebrate the love and delight in life that Danny offered to all.
The Prince and the Goblins
Congrats to the Wednesday Troupe for an enchanting performance of The Prince and the Goblins!
You can now get discounted tickets to watch online.
Online ticket buyers receive an email with a link to watch on Vimeo
Comments from our Audience members:
“The set design was so magical and beautiful.”
“It was fun!”
“The actors never cease to amaze me!”
“I love watching the actors perform.”
“What a great story.”
“We need this message today—- that we need to be united not divided.”
“It was astounding!”
“I always love coming to theatre adventure shows!”
“It was a delight. My face was sore from smiling throughout. What a wonderful thing it is you do for this community.”
The Prince and the Goblin Cast Photo 2025
Photo by Kristopher Radder
Photo by Kristopher Radder
Photo by Kristopher Radder
Photo by Kristopher Radder
Spring Appeal 2025
2025 Spring Appeal
Dear Friend,
Thank you for considering a gift to Theatre Adventure for our Spring Appeal.
We are in stressful and challenging times. Many are enduring hardship, and some are directly impacted, from the current federal and state budget cuts. Now, more than ever, we need one another. Tenacity, fortitude, and courage are essential as we tend to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
After over twenty years, Theatre Adventure remains firmly rooted in our mission to provide a caring and creative community for artists with disabilities to claim the stage with distinction.
Theatre Adventure exists for performing artists who demonstrate every day, their power as people to change negative attitudes and perceptions about people with disabilities.
Theatre Adventure exists as a place where all are seen as individuals with the capacity to learn and to astound.
“Theatre Adventure has provided a safe place where my brother has developed a strong sense of friendship and belonging that has enriched his life in immeasurable ways.” ~family member
Theatre Adventure exists by engaging in partnerships with other groups which then enrich everyone. When one group is lifted up, everyone benefits.
Theatre Adventure exists to joyfully celebrate people with disabilities onstage and offstage by shining a spotlight, where once there were shadows.
“What a success story! Bravo to all the courageous and fearless actors and their mentors!”
“We need these positive notes in these times of turmoil.” ~long-time Theatre Adventure supporter
Your donation makes all of this possible! Thank you!
Darlene Jenson, Director
Geoff Burgess, Board President
Laura Lawson Tucker, Director
A Ballad of Belonging is an Official Selection at NeuroVisons Film Festival!
Exciting News! Theatre Adventure: A Ballad of Belonging is an Official Selection and Award Nominee at NeuroVison Film Festival!
Neurovisions Film Festival
April 24-26
Landmark College | Greenhoe Theater | Fine Arts Building
48 Robert Rhodes Lane, Putney, Vermont
NeuroVisions is a film festival that is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices and stories of neurodivergent individuals.
Started at Landmark College, which specializes in catering to those who think and learn differently, NeuroVisions aims to create an inclusive platform that fosters understanding, acceptance and appreciation of diverse perspectives through the art of film.
Celebrating Neurodiversity Through Film
Join us for a weekend dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices and stories of neurodivergent individuals. Over 50 films will be screened in the Greenhoe Theater/Fine Arts Building.
SCHEDULE
APRIL 24
SPRING ONLINE FUNDRAISING EVENT
APRIL 25
OPENING RECEPTION | 6 PM | FINE ARTS BUILDING GALLERY
Announcement from special guests
Meet the filmmakers
Light refreshments served
NARRATIVE AND ANIMATION SHORTS | 7 PM | GREENHOE THEATER | FINE ARTS BUILDING
APRIL 26
CHAMPION OF NEURODIVERSITY FEATURE | 10 AM GREENHOE THEATER | FINE ARTS BUILDING
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS 1 PM GREENHOE THEATER | FINE ARTS BUILDING - Our Theatre Adventure documentary will be featured!
BEST OF FRANKLIN ACADEMY | 3 PM | GREENHOE THEATER | FINE ARTS BUILDING
MESHES: EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS | 5 PM | GREENHOE THEATER | FINE ARTS BUILDING
CLOSING CEREMONY/AWARDS | 6 PM | FINE ARTS BUILDING GALLERY
Summer enrollment is open!
2025 Summer Expressive Arts for Youth and Adults with Disabilities
Join us for dynamic and multi-disciplinary theater arts designed for a mixed-age group this summer.
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - Noon
Dates: June 16-20 | June 23-27 | June 30 - July 3
Sign up for one, two, or all three weeks
Part-time enrollment each week is available
All classes take place in person at the West Village Meeting House, located at 29 South Street, West Brattleboro.
Find out more!
Book a gig with the Traveling Troupe!
The Traveling Troupe offers workshops and performances for school groups, advocacy programs and initiatives, library programming, arts organizations, civic groups, and special community events. All of the Traveling Troupe members are adults with disabilities with many years of experience as performers. They are paid for their work as professional actors with the Traveling Troupe.
The Troupe will share excerpts from Theatre Adventure’s documentary A Ballad of Belonging and lead a talkback session about claiming one’s life with pride and confidence.
Our new documentary celebrates twenty years of creating theater opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. Theatre arts are remarkable! Actors discover greatness and audiences broaden their thinking about people with disabilities.
The workshop goals include:
Hearing new perspectives about developing feelings of belonging.
Sharing stories about self-advocacy and advocacy for others.
Discussing topics and triumphs as presented in the documentary.
Experiencing how the theater arts can impact individuals, groups, and communities.
Workshop participants have expressed how much they enjoyed the experience and appreciate what they learned.
Visit the Traveling Troupe web page to find out more
Or contact the Director: info@theatreadventure.org
Our future is looking rosy!
Dear Theatre Adventure Friends,
As we enter the new year, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our friends and supporters for your generosity during our Year-End appeal. Each and every donation we receive enables us to meet the evolving aspirations of our actors and continue to provide a nurturing community for creative exploration.
Our 20th-anniversary celebration, held at the Latchis Theatre in November, featuring our documentary was an out-of-this-world experience! So many people came to celebrate our actors, their work, and the achievement of Theatre Adventure being alive and well at twenty years of age!
We are looking forward to a new year that dazzles with great opportunities for learning and mastering new skills as an actor and Troupe member. Optimism will be our fuel as we dive into our two spring productions, a Variety Show Coffee House in April and a theater production, The Princess and the Goblin in May. Please join us!
We thank you for traveling with us on this amazing journey as we create theater that shines with opportunities for our artists with disabilities.
The Theatre Adventure Team of Teachers, Staff, and Board Members.
Winter Solstice Greetings
Every year, as the darkness of the Winter Solstice builds, we are inspired to reflect on the year that we have just shared in our Theatre Adventure community—the triumphs and the challenges.
The growing darkness at this time of year comforts us as we go inward.
This introspective view holds hopefulness—for certainly, the light is about to build. We are inspired by the promise of newness.
What a remarkable year we have just had honoring the 20th anniversary of Theatre Adventure!
Thank YOU for joining us in our festivities throughout the year and for your financial support.
We are celebrating: a 20-year retrospective Theatre Adventure documentary, generous donors and funders, a dedicated board of directors, a qualified team of educators and staff, caring professionals, and talented performing artists who are always learning! Wow!
And now, 2025 beckons.
What are our plans?
Continue creating inspiring theater
Keep growing enrollment
Strengthen our financial base to ensure our existence for the next 20 years
Implement goals from our strategic plan, which includes a thoughtful succession of Darlene and Laura for the future leaders of Theatre Adventure
Reaching out to you for your feedback about how we are doing
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement.
We send love and good wishes to each of you during this important time of reflection and optimism,
Darlene and Laura
Photos of Long Lake in Bridgton, Maine taken by Laura Lawson Tucker.
Our 20th Anniversary Celebration Recap!
We had an amazing night celebrating 20 Years of Theatre Adventure! We are so grateful to all who came out to share in this milestone and to those who watched the documentary remotely.
The stage was set at the Latchis Theatre. A long-awaited 20th-anniversary celebration for Theatre Adventure was finally happening with the screening of our documentary, Theatre Adventure: A Ballad of Belonging.
The artists came onto the stage and with a flourish bowed for the audience to thunderous applause.
When asked by an audience member during the Talk-Back session, “How did it feel to see yourself on the big screen?”
The artists’ answers included: “I felt proud, and actually, I cried a little.” “It was an emotional experience, to say the least.” “It felt kind of exciting, and I got some laughter.”
The documentary reviews are in!
“This Powerful Documentary has perfectly captured the essence and magnificence of Theatre Adventure.” -Audience Member
"This film touched me in so many ways, ranging from the intellectual to the emotional to the psychological. It is insightful, motivational, pro-inclusion with a touch of humor and honorable." -Audience Member
20th Anniversary Reflection
More than twenty years ago a child named Elijah Jenson planted the seeds of Theatre Adventure for both his mother, Darlene Jenson, and for me, his teacher, Laura Lawson Tucker. Elijah has disabilities and a larger-than-life spark. He was one of the children in my early childhood program. My burning question was how to help the other children in my group---all of whom were fast-moving, rambunctious, and curious---open themselves to bringing Elijah into their play. I wondered, how does inclusion happen? Darlene had similar questions. She had brought Elijah to many creative programs, and yet, thought that Elijah had yet to experience fully being part of a group.
Elijah showed both of us the way. It all happened quite naturally during our Circle Times together. Acting out stories, either made-up or fairy tales, was a time when everyone was needed. Everyone had a part. Everyone was in the same story.
Voila! Theatre Adventure was born! Thank you, Elijah.
And now, twenty years later and after seventy theater productions, the wheel of creativity continues. Theatre Adventure is a community of story-makers, passionate performers, talented artists, and caring Troupe Members. The theater arts have shown us over and over that expressing oneself through story and imagination in a caring and supportive environment makes possible the phrase, “The sky is the limit!”
Here we go for another twenty years of theater adventures! Thank you for being on the journey with us.
Scott Farm's Crepe Night to Benefit Theatre Adventure on June 12th
Crepe Night, Co-hosted by Theatre Adventure, will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 5:30 - 7:30 at Scott Farm, 707 Kipling Road, Dummerston.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12. Each ticket comes with a savory supper crêpe (galette), sweet dessert crêpe, and side salad. Drinks are available for purchase.
Tickets will be available at the door, but reservations are highly recommended, and can be made at:
Crêpe Nights are family friendly gatherings, held the second Wednesday of the month, from May through September. Each month is co-hosted by a different local nonprofit who benefits from the evening’s proceeds. Theatre Adventure's Crepe Night will feature live music by local musician Lizzy Mandell, as well as a performance at 6:00 pm by Theatre Adventure's Traveling Troupe.
Theatre Adventure is a non-profit organization providing year-round performing arts programming for people with disabilities. Our mission is to provide a caring and creative community for artists with disabilities to claim the stage with distinction.
The funds raised at Crepe Night will help Theatre Adventure expand their Mentor Leadership Program, a job skills training program where adult students work alongside teachers and directors to mentor younger students. "In Alice In Wonderland, our spring production," reflected Theatre Adventure Board Member Julianne Kaplan, "the impact the mentors had on the production was evidenced by the total confidence in every student's performance."
For more information about Theatre Adventure, contact:
Laura Lawson Tucker, Director/Co-Founder
(802) 387-0765
"Crêpe Nights are truly fun events,” says Scott Farm General Manager Simon Renault. “Sitting outside eating locally sourced handmade food with good friends and gorgeous views - it’s just a perfect Vermont Summer evening and a powerful way to support organizations in our community doing important work.”
Scott Farm is a historic farm in active cultivation since 1791 with a focus on sustaining its 130 varieties of heirloom apples. Offering wholesale and direct sales of apples and other fruit, the farm also produces its own hard, sweet, and sparkling cider. The public is regularly invited to enjoy the National Register listed farm through the seasonal Farm Market and Pippin’s Café, Crêpe Nights, concerts, weddings, and other events. It also serves as host to The Stone Trust, which maintains the beautiful Stone Park on the grounds. Scott Farm is a Certified B Corporation and a for-profit subsidiary of The Landmark Trust USA.
Athena Giving Circle's 2024 Award
Theatre Adventure Recipient of Athena Giving Circle's 2024 Award
Brattleboro VT -Theatre Adventure has been named the 2024 recipient of a $5000 grant from the Athena Giving Circle, a group of area women who pool resources to support one local nonprofit organization each year. This is their fifth annual award.
Speaking for the group, Gail Nunziata said, "We are delighted to recognize Theatre Adventure for their dedicated work creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live meaningful and social lives, and find joy and growth through theater."
According to co-directors Laura Lawson Tucker and Darlene Jenson, Theatre Adventure is celebrating its 20th year using theatre as a platform to create an inclusive and nurturing home for unlocking each individual's artistic expression. According to Lawson Tucker, "From our long experience, we have seen Theatre Adventure actors blossom from the power of the arts. For many, their newfound freedom inspires claiming the stage, and their lives, with distinction."
A recent Theatre Adventure audience member offered the following: “American theatre! Where humanity, beauty, and gumption are celebrated and communities built. I attend shows to be transformed…to feel the air around me crackle when my open heart collides with stories well told. Thank you for all that you do to enrich lives. Your work is important. It matters.”
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, there will be a premier showing November 8 at the Latchis Theatre of their documentary, Theatre Adventure: A Ballad of Belonging.
"Each year the Athena Giving Circle is excited to explore the valuable work done by local nonprofit organizations," Nunziata said. "Our gifts are given to acknowledge the impact these groups have on our community. Our awards are a tribute to their efforts."
Giving Circles have become a staple in community fundraising. Some have been in operation for decades and are responsible for managing large investments and endowments. The Athena Giving Circle is on the other end of the spectrum, with its annual gift decided upon over two or three meetings once a year. For groups who would like advice on how to organize a giving circle on the Athena model, contact Gail Nunziata at gnunziata@comcast.net.
"Alice in Wonderland” was a Triumph!
Bravo to our performing artists and their supporters for their engaging and beautiful telling of, "Alice in Wonderland!"
“The show was absolutely beautiful... the projections were very powerful as seen from the balcony. It was a magic moment when they appeared. They really pulled me into the storyline.”
- Audience Member
“‘Alice in Wonderland’ was a triumph! The actors received thunderous applause!”
- Audience Member
Alice in Wonderland Adventure Beckons!
Alice in Wonderland Adventure Beckons!
Wed May 15 at 10:30 am ET, (SOLD OUT)
Thur May 16 at 10:30 am ET, In person
Fri May 17 at 10:30 am ET, In person and live-streamed
West Village Meeting House
29 South Street West Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
The Theatre Adventure Wednesday Troupe presents an original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s tale that inspires imaginative thinking, creative problem-solving, and a delight in the unexpected.
The English author, Lewis Carroll wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865.
And now, more than 150 years later, Alice’s adventures with an assortment of zany characters still sparks our own imaginations and tickles our literary senses.
Adventure Beckons
An excerpt from Leslie L. Kinney’s, “A Poem for Alice.”
I’ll rest my head, perhaps to dream that there might be another scene. With places new to explore, I’m sure that there is something more.
Oh, my goodness. What’s this I hear? A rabbit with a watch, how very queer! He seems to be in a frantic state I think he’s running very late.
Shall I follow? Is there risk? He’s running past, so very brisk. Did he just jump below the ground? Should I follow? Is that sound?
Could there be another world? I wonder what might be unfurled. My curiosity has been peaked. It’s my time to take a leap.
This hallways strange, so full of doors. The rabbit’s gone so I’ll explore. These doors are locked except just one. It seems adventure’s now begun.
Let’s dance and send your sorrows away and then let’s rest, it’s been a full day.
Join us in Wonderland!
Thank you for being part of our 20th year.
We’ll see you at the show!
A visit from Circus Artist Joel Baker
The Theatre Adventure Thursday Troupe had a blast with our illustrious guest clown artist Joel Baker. There was oooing and ahhing, exuberant laughter, dancing, clown ball, memorable sharing, and discussion.
Thank you Joel!
https://www.joelbakerclown.com/
Announcing our Documentary!
Theatre Adventure: A Ballad of Belonging
The story of an inclusive community of performing artists in southern Vermont
Save The Date!
Theatre Adventure’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, November 8th at 6:30 pm ET
The Latchis Theater in Downtown Brattleboro
More information to come!
In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we are creating a documentary film that will tell the story of our nurturing theater arts community.
Online and in-person actors with disabilities will be featured claiming the stage with passion and dedication, as well as expressing care and thoughtfulness toward one another.
The documentary will be the centerpiece of our November 8th, 2024 event honoring Theatre Adventure’s past, present, and future.
The documentary will show footage of our core beliefs in action:
Everyone deserves respect.
A nurturing and welcoming community provides a sense of belonging and is the foundation for building self-confidence, friendships, and leadership.
Everyone has the ability to grow and learn new skills.
The arts offer many powerful ways to express oneself
Bringing stories to life in theater has the power to dissolve the edges that separate us.
Inclusive theater inspires new and positive attitudes about people with disabilities.
We have so much we want to share. The documentary will offer an intimate behind-the-scenes view of Theatre Adventure.
During classes and rehearsals, we witness powerful moments of building self-confidence, courageously expressing self, and discovering one’s artistry, all in a culture of caring about one another. We are excited to invite you to experience the heart of Theatre Adventure–our actors!
Alice in Wonderland 2024
The Wednesday Troupe Presents:
Alice in Wonderland
The Theatre Adventure Wednesday Troupe presents an original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s tale that inspires imaginative thinking, creative problem-solving, and a delight in the unexpected.
Alice’s sister reads her a story in our 2016 production of “Alice in Wonderland.”
Please join us!
May 15 and 16 at 10:30 am ET In-person
May 17 at 10:30 am ET In-person and livestreamed
West Village Meeting House
29 South Street, West Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
ASL Interpretation is provided for all performances. The venue is wheelchair-accessible.
TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ONLINE AND AT THE DOOR ON A SLIDING SCALE STARTING AT $15
ONLINE ticket holders will receive an email with a link to view the online shows.
School groups are invited to purchase online group tickets at a reduced rate. Our Disabilities Specialist is ready to discuss accessibility or accommodation needs.
Please email info@theatreadventure.org or call or text 802-380-0458
An actor sings and dances on stage holding a microphone while practicing his performance skills.
The English author, Lewis Carroll wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865. And now, more than 150 years later, Alice’s adventures with various zany characters still spark our imaginations and tickle our literary senses.
The grumpy Queen of Hearts poses in a large handmade paper crown.
Throughout her encounters, Alice remarks over and over, “This is getting curiouser and curiouser.”
Certainly, life does become more and more curious when, for example, Alice meets the ever-smiling and disappearing Cheshire Cat, as well as the Mad Hatter who seems ever-lost in time, while feasting more on words than tea and crumpets!
The 2016 Mad Hatters crouch with their hands on a railing and look out intently.
Guest artist Jeghetto works with students to construct a very large cardboard Cheshire Cat puppet that will be used in our May production.
Elijah performs as a cool dude Caterpillar in our 2016 Production of “Alice In Wonderland.”
A mentor models performing with full body expression while singing a duet with a toy chipmunk.
Watch an excerpt from our 2016 production of “Alice in Wonderland”
A Troupe Member smiles at the camera while holding hands with a teacher.
Come be in our audience! Theatre Adventure actors inspire awakened views about disability by demonstrating great capabilities. Thank you so much for your support!
Summer Expressive Arts Camps Now Enrolling
2024 Summer Expressive Arts Immersive
One-Week Camps for Youth and Adults with Disabilities
Join us for dynamic and multi-disciplinary theater arts designed for a mixed-age group. Creativity and inspired teamwork will rule in our inclusive and welcoming environment! We will enjoy one another’s artistry and expressions of self in a nurturing and creative community. Summer troupe members will experience the production of 10-minute plays, percussion, painting, movement, dancing, story construction, poetry, singing, and more!
Attend Online or In-person
In-person classes are held at West Village Meeting House, 29 South Street, West Brattleboro, Vermont
Monday, June 17th – Friday, June 21st
Monday, June 24th – Friday, June 28th
Monday, July 8th – Friday, July 12th
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Sign up for one, two, or all three weeks
PART-TIME ENROLLMENT EACH WEEK AVAILABLE
Tuition:
• $300.00 for one week
• $400.00 for two weeks
• $475.00 for all three weeks
Financial aid is available. For further information, contact our Director: laura@theatreadventure.org 802-387-0765
Come be part of our creative and inclusive summer troupe!
We will gather online and in-person on the Summer Solstice and for three weeks we will partake in a fruitful and abundant expressive arts camp.
In a nurturing and creative community, laughter, friendships, and creating art in all forms will be our guide. The turning wheel of the seasons, the fullness of summer, will inspire us. We will be together online AND in-person mornings for three weeks. Part-time attendance is an option. Financial aid is available.
