Shakespeare actors with Down Syndrome Perform at Texas Waterpark

In early November, the Morgan’s Wonderland—the theme park in San Antonio, Texas that is accessible to everyone—staged “Scenes, Sonnets and Soliloquies: Vol. 1,” a 30-minute production that included scenes from “Romeo and Juliet,” “As You Like It,” “The Merchant of Venice,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” as well as a sonnet. Half of the cast were special needs individuals and half were not.

Nikki Young, who oversees the entertainment program in the park, was inspired to add Shakespeare to the park’s offerings by “Growing up Downs,” a documentary about a group of British actors with Down syndrome who staged a touring production of “Hamlet.” She decided she wanted to do something similar. There are more than 20 “ultra accessible” attractions within the park. The organization’s mission statement is: “To provide a safe, clean and beautiful environment free of physical and economic barriers that all individuals – regardless of age, special need or disability – can come to and enjoy” For more, click here.