Something special is taking the stage in Toledo—and it’s not your typical night at the theatre. It’s bold, it’s original, and it’s powered by voices you don’t get to hear nearly often enough.
The University of Toledo Disability Studies Program, Department of Theatre and Film, and OpenSpot Theatre invite you to experience How Not to Be a Baddie and Viva El Vaquero at the Grammys: A Short Story Spectacular by Performers with Disabilities—an evening where creativity kicks the door wide open and says, “come on in.”
This isn’t just a performance—it’s a collision of imagination, lived experience, and artistic collaboration. Four original short plays take the spotlight, each one crafted by a dynamic mix of UToledo students, community members with developmental disabilities, and professional artists. The result? Theatre that feels fresh, honest, and entirely its own—equal parts playful, powerful, and unforgettable.
Born out of the hands-on course Disability and Theatre (DST 4980/THR 4990), this showcase is where learning meets lived experience and transforms into something electric on stage. Expect storytelling that challenges expectations, flips narratives, and celebrates disability not as a limitation, but as a wellspring of perspective and creativity.
Free and open to the public - no ticket required!
Accessibility isn’t an afterthought here; it’s part of the foundation. If you need accommodations, you’re encouraged to reach out ahead of time to ensure the experience works for you. Please contact Rebecca Monteleone at Rebecca.monteleone@utoledo.edu
If your idea of theatre includes heart, humor, and a few delightful surprises you didn’t see coming... this is your night.