All Abilities Productions, an all-inclusive theatrical company, is a new business across from Peter Harris in Aviation Mall, Queensbury.
All Abilities Productions works with other nonprofit organizations to provide educational programs, such as all-inclusive dance programs, playwriting classes, improv acting classes, art therapy and more.
The company will also offer concerts and theatrical productions for people to showcase their talents.
Andy O’Rourke, owner of All Abilities Productions, said he started the company so that people like himself would have the opportunity to do something they enjoy without restrictions. O’Rourke had a stroke in-utero and was born with cerebral palsy.
He found his passion for theater and the creative arts while in high school. As he pursued his passion after high school, he found that the theatrical arts in this area were not typically all-inclusive, he said. That propelled him to create All Abilities Productions in 2022.
All Abilities Productions was created to foster growth for people of all abilities on stage and off stage. The company’s motto states, “where inclusivity and creativity meet.” Its mission is to form a community that includes and accepts people from all walks of life regardless of disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and age.
“We are very excited to work with Andy and his team as they bring this all-inclusive theatrical company to Aviation Mall,” said James Griffith, general manager of Aviation Mall. “We are confident they will be extremely successful and supported by our community.”
There was a ribbon cutting event on June 3. In addition to prize drawings and refreshments, various community organizations presented informational displays outlining their services, including Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), the Warren County Office for the Aging, Maria College’s Occupational Therapy Department and Off The Track Occupational Therapy.
For more information, contact O’Rourke at andy@allabilitiesny.org or Carol Durant at carol@allabilitiesny.org.