HISTORY OF DIONYSUS
Dionysus was founded by Deborah Nowinski in memory of her son, Dustin, who died of bone cancer at the age of 15. Dustin wanted people to "look beyond the label" and accept each person. He believed people should be "educated to the soul." Starting with six teenagers, three who were disabled and three who were non-disabled, Dionysus performed their first show in January of 1998 for a conference held in Houston. The original show was 45 mintues long with two songs. The conference goers all spoke of the uniqueness of this troupe and many had not seen inclusion on stage. From the very start, we edcuated to the soul. We were then asked to perform in Dallas the following month. So began our history of teaching tolerance, acceptance, and developing a welcoming theater for all who entered. From 6 actors 18 years ago who stepped on the stage to create the most unique one of a kind theater in Texas...we have changed lives & attitudes. From our classes, to our shows, to our touring troupe, we are the Award Winning Dionysus Theatre. WELCOME TO DIONYSUS - our name may be hard to pronounce, but once you experience us, you'll NEVER forget us!
OUR SHOWS: Dionysus performs original shows as well as new plays written by playwrights-with-disabilities. We also perform classic and contemporary plays, that truly speak to the heart of social change.
Many shows are written about the disabled, but few actors with disabilities are allowed to perform about their lives.
We, in Dionysus, give them a voice and bring honesty to every show.
We also peform popular musicals with our own flair and style.
We give our audiences a chance to truly experience theater in a novel way.
In 2013, we welcomed the Deaf Community to our stage, and audience, with performances by Deaf actors, in American Sign Language.
Performances are entertaining, as well as educational, and expand our mission of inclusion.
Inclusion not only allows those with disabilities to thrive, it improves the acting abilities of those who are non-disabled.
Everyone learns from each other.
The rehearsals are educational, opening night, is empowering for all.
OUR CLASSES are the cornerstone of Dionysus. Many of our actors come through these classes to develop a professional outlook and are trained to perform at their highest levels. Some of our actors are already living their dreams and auditioning for casting directors. Some have even made TV shows, commercials and movies. Hollywood and Indie films call Dionysus to help cast those with disabilities in roles.
OUR YOUTH THEATRE TOURING TROUPE does outreach to schools, conferences and teacher seminars. Currently our anti-bully show, True Confessions of a Bully, has been seen by over 18,000 people since 2012. Seeing inclusion on stage teaches students with disabilities that they can dream of becoming actors, and students who are non-disabled witness inclusion as a natural process in life. It also empowers educators to bring inclusion into their theaters and classrooms across Texas.
Dionysus is so proud to have changed lives since 1998 - whether actor, or audience. By using the theater as our platform, we have touched hearts, changed attitudes and made our city, Houston, a more accepting, creative city.
Whether you are an actor, singer, dancer, writer, artist, volunteer, donor, benefactor, or audience member, we welcome you to the most unique and only inclusion theater in the state of Texas. We guarantee your heart and your life will be changed.
Cast of "LIttle Shop of Horror"
Inclusion Cast: Children of a Lesser God. Our first show with Deaf actors. Pictured here is the cast with the playwrite:
Mark Medoff.