Our Stage / Our Voices (OS/OV) exists to provide opportunities for performing artists who are members of historically underrepresented communities to address the issues of inequality in the regional performing arts with the goal of achieving diversity and inclusion. These historically underrepresented communities include but are not limited to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities.
The OS/OV Artist-in-Residency Program is a program that provides an opportunity for a selected artist to serve as an activist to readily advance a specific project that can help to raise underrepresented voices in the performing arts.
Area actor, director, playwright and singer Steve Sykes (he/his) serves as the 2024-2025 Our Stage / Our Voices Artist-in-Residence. During his residency, Mr. Sykes hopes to increase opportunities for members of central Illinois’ disabled community to enjoy and participate in theater. In addition to discussions, workshops and forums, he plans to present a seminal theatrical work starring disabled and nondisabled performers.
In July/August, Steve Sykes partnered with Capital City Improv to offer an improv workshop series designed to be enjoyed by individuals with disabilities, both invisible and visible. We had a great time learning all about the first rule of improv, “yes, and…,” and how to incorporate that idea into a series of improv games, concluding the experience with a sharing session for family and friends. The workshop series was featured in this article from the Illinois Times.
Coming in November, Steve will host a performance event in the UIS Studio Theatre. All Access: A Show for Every Body will feature performers with disabilities. Themes of disability and inclusion will be explored and celebrated.
Coming in winter 2025, Steve will direct a full-length play in the UIS Studio Theatre featuring a cast of abled and disabled performers. Stay tuned for more details.
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