Established in 2017, Barrier-Free serves neurodiverse individuals from Carroll, Howard, Frederick, Baltimore, and Montgomery counties via in-person and virtual programming. Barrier-Free enrolls 60+ participants across two inclusive theater companies, numerous expressive arts classes, monthly social clubs, and at the newly established Life Skills & Social Studio. Barrier-Free's inclusive theater companies follow a multi-step approach that includes establishing group dynamics, improvisational acting, script creation, and bringing a show to life on stage! Actors, staff, and mentors with varying abilities rehearse for seven months to create original one-act musicals that culminate with a final full-production performance weekend at McDaniel College's Theater. At Barrier-Free, actors are encouraged to be their most unique selves and to create, express, and achieve together!
