Phamaly Theatre Company and Craig Hospital Partner to Raise Awareness of Disabilities Through Professional Theatre

Englewood, Colo., April 05, 2018 --

Phamaly Theatre Company and Craig Hospital announced today a three-year community partnership to raise awareness in thinking about diversity, inclusion, and disability through the lens of professional theatre. The partnership will also help to enhance the lives of current and former Craig patients, families and caregivers, and staff.

“Craig and Phamaly share similar philosophies including life quality, wellness, independence, resilience, adaptation, and survivorship following trauma or disability,” said Sasha Hutchings, managing director at Phamaly Theatre Company. “We’re delighted to build on our successful partnership with Craig and continue to provide experiences to people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.”

As part of the partnership, Craig will sponsor this year’s upcoming plays and musicals including Romeo and Juliet, which is running April 14 – 22 at The Dairy Arts Center; Into the Woods, which is running July 12 – Aug. 5 at The Space Theatre; and Harvey, which is running Oct. 18 – Nov. 11 at The Olin Hotel.

Comprised entirely of performers with disabilities, Phamaly is known for reinventing classic stories and creating moving experiences. Romeo and Juliet will be directed by Regan Linton, artistic director for Phamaly and a Craig graduate. Harvey will be a special community collaboration between Phamaly and Senior Housing Options.

“Phamaly shows are a great vehicle for social outings for Craig patients, families and caregivers and our volunteers/staff,” said Jake Manley, marketing and media services manager at Craig Hospital. “The partnership will provide opportunities for patients of similar ages, backgrounds and injuries to teach, learn, encourage and support
one another.”

Phamaly will also bring acting theatre programs to Craig, which will help provide opportunities for participants to tell their stories, set goals, solve problems and adapt to new life circumstances. In-house workshops for current and former patients, families, and caregivers will focus on:

• SURVIVAL: Writing to explore personal expression and create a new narrative following trauma
• ADAPTATION: Improvisation, movement, and freeing the body
• CREATION: Connecting narrative to performance - translating from page to stage

Manley added, “Expanding our partnership with Phamaly Theatre Company fits perfectly with our emphasis on customized programs, education, family involvement and preparing Craig patients for life after rehabilitation.”

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Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rcbbvgm6e0cf9mj/AABD_Xj7DCCrP-T6XLfMYedTa?dl=0

Photo credit: Michael Ensminger

About Phamaly Theatre Company
Now in its 29^th season, Phamaly Theatre Company is an award-winning, Colorado-based theatre company that engages audiences in thinking about diversity, inclusion, and disability through the lens of theatre. Comprised entirely of performers with all nature of disabilities – physical, cognitive, emotional, and neurodiverse – Phamaly is known for its groundbreaking reinvention of established stories, creating what have become some of the most entertaining and moving experiences available to Denver audiences. Phamaly’s mission is to inspire people to re-envision disability through professional theatre. For more information, visit Phamaly.org.

About Craig Hospital
Craig Hospital is a world-renowned, 93-bed, private, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital and research center that specializes in the care of people who have sustained a spinal cord and/or a brain injury. As a licensed acute care hospital, Craig provides a comprehensive system of inpatient and outpatient medical care, rehabilitation, neurosurgical rehabilitative care, and long-term follow-up services. Half of Craig's patients come from outside of Colorado. Craig has been ranked as a top 10 rehabilitation center by U.S. News and World Report for 27 consecutive years. Craig has received the NDNQI^® award in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 for the highest quality outcomes in nursing care in a rehabilitation facility. Craig was voted by employees as a "Top Work Place" by The Denver Post for the past three years, and was ranked in the top 150 places to work in healthcare by Becker's Healthcare in 2014. craighospital.org

Amy Moynihan
GroundFloor Media for Craig Hospital 
O: 303-865-8123
[email protected]