In the Podlight: Sammi Cannold & Liam Pearce - Neurodiversity and Inclusion on Broadway

Summary: In this episode of In the Podlight, hosts Grant and Caroline engage in a profound conversation with director Sammi Cannold, and actor Liam Pearce about their experiences with the groundbreaking Broadway production, How to Dance in Ohio. They explore the journey of the show from its documentary roots to its Broadway success, emphasizing the importance of neurodiversity and authentic representation in theater. The discussion delves into the casting process, the significance of creating an inclusive environment for autistic individuals, and the impact of the show on audiences and the industry. Sami and Liam share their insights on identity, accessibility, and the future of storytelling in theater, highlighting the transformative power of art to foster understanding and connection.

Takeaways

• The importance of authentic representation in theater.
• Creating a role as an autistic actor is groundbreaking.
• The journey of How to Dance in Ohio is deeply personal.
• Inclusivity in casting leads to a richer creative process.
• The show aims to change perceptions of autism in society.
• Accessibility for audiences is crucial for engagement.
• The collaborative nature of the production was unique.
• Neurodiversity should be embraced in all creative spaces.
• The mission of the show is to foster understanding.
• Future productions should continue the conversation about autism.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to In the Podlight
01:00 - The Journey of How to Dance in Ohio
06:05 - Casting and Production Process
09:50 - Identity and Representation in Theater
15:08 - Creating an Inclusive Environment
19:54 - Audience Accessibility and Engagement
24:51 - Future Aspirations and Impact of the Show
30:07 - Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Sammi on Instagram
Connect with Liam on Instagram
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website

Check out How To Dance in Ohio on their website
Check out &Juliet on their website

The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
The Lee Agency - Press Agent
Brandon Mills - Cover Art Photo Credit

In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands
The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Performing Arts.