Throughout November and December, Teaching Artists with Kentucky Shakespeare zoomed into DSL virtual classes to teach on Shakespeare’s life and legacy, and to work through sides of Shakespeare plays and sonnets. The Monday, Wednesday meetings were specialized for individuals with Down syndrome ages 14+. DSL Engagement Director Carly Riggs said of the program, “It is incredible to see some of our most introverted and isolated members blossom through Shakespeare over a zoom screen. They are learning social skills, gaining confidence, and having fun with their friends all through this education service. You can see the spirit and enthusiasm in even the most introverted students!”
DSL members worked in large groups and smaller breakout groups on exciting acting warmups like ‘Compliments and Insults’, a hilarious exercise where students share Shakespearian themed compliments and insults with another individual to warm up their tongues, faces, and bodies, all while learning Shakespearian language. The program culminated in a final performance of the well known Romeo and Juliet balcony scene, where all the gentlemen recited Romeo’s lines and all the ladies responded with Juliet’s. Grant Gupton, a Louisville Kentucky member who participated, said his favorite parts were, “storytelling and using silky voices.” Libby Lohmeyer, a member from Southern Indiana who joined in enjoyed the classes a lot and said the sessions gave her the opportunity to “say lines and express emotions”.
Down Syndrome of Louisville has been partnering with Kentucky Shakespeare for about 6 years, and this special program has been on DSL’s wish list for some time. “We are so grateful for our continued partnership with Kentucky Shakespeare. The Kentucky Shakespeare staff is phenomenal and I cannot recommend their virtual programming enough”, says Riggs. 2020 looked very different for many of DSL’s members, and this six-week course was a refreshing end to a very crazy year. This VSA program was provided in 2019-2020 under a contract with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and also through continued generous funding from Arts For All Kentucky.
Your Voice Matters! Contact Senators Mitch McConnell & Rand Paul Today!
DSL is proud to be working with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to pass the life-changing DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 (S. 3981). Named after Jamie Foxx’s little sister, DeOndra, who tragically passed away in 2020, this legislation will secure increased federal funding for Down syndrome research and medical care for our […]
Please help us welcome DSL’s new Teen and Adult Transitions Manager, Ashley Corley! Hello DSL members, families and friends, My name is Ashley Corley, and I am the new Teen & Adult Transition Manager! Down Syndrome of Louisville has been a place near and dear to my heart for many years. For those […]
Citizens of the Year: Trenton Brunner & Corey Morgan For Outstanding Achievements in the Down Syndrome Community A few things shared about them: “Corey is a true kindness warrior. He works two jobs at Home Depot and Walgreens where he gets praises from his bosses. Corey participates in many sports through specials Olympics. He created […]
Our 2025 Annual Convention will be held in Dallas, Texas, from July 24 to 27, 2025! Registration opens March 11, 2025, at 12 PM EST. Mark your calendars—hotel rooms are booked quickly! Click here to learn more!
Please give a warm welcome to DSL’s new Engagement Coordinator Jon B! “Hello! My name is Jon Beams! I first learned about DSL years ago through volunteer programs and the robust community in and around Kentuckiana. I believe in bringing positive experiences and fun with me everywhere I go. A smile truly speaks a thousand words! […]
DSL’s new Preschool is up and running thanks to our new team members! “My name is Sydney Bastin and I am so excited to lead the new DSL preschool program! With a bachelor’s in health science from Spalding University, and experience at several nonprofits in the area including Sproutlings Pediatric Daycare and Home of the […]
Join DSL at Gravely Brewing Co for our first-ever beer release! We’ve partnered with Gravely Brewing Co for our first-ever beer, the “Boogie Down Brew”! Join DSL at Gravely on Friday, October 11th from 5-8 for our official beer release! Enjoy not only a fresh beverage but also a performance from the Boogie Down Crew! […]
Kentucky Colonels Driving DSL in the Right Direction
Thanks to a generous grant from the Kentucky Colonels, Down Syndrome of Louisville is shifting into a new gear! We are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous $20,000 grant from the Kentucky Colonels! This incredible gift will be used to purchase a new accessible bus, ensuring that all of our members can […]
Down Syndrome of Louisville volunteer, Louisville native, and basketball professional Trey Moses has invited DSL and friends to his Celebrity Basketball Game! Join Trey and other Louisville greats for the “Be the Reason” Celebrity Game on Saturday, June 22nd at 4 pm. CLICK HERE to RSVP for tickets Families must RSVP by Thursday, June 20th […]
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