In the heart of New York City’s performing arts scene, Dream Street Theatre Company, founded in 1998 in Brooklyn, is a non-profit organization that provides professional performance opportunities for neurodivergent adults. Not only is Dream Street an empowering and inclusive organization, but they are redefining what it means to be an artist. Social worker and performer Karuna Heisler co-founded Dream Street with her husband, Lenny Heisler. Karuna Heisler’s brother, Jimmy Thompson, had Down syndrome. Despite the many challenges he faced throughout his life, her brother’s dream was to be onstage. Karuna Heisler’s inspiration for Dream Street derived from him, leading to her goal of making theater and creative arts available to neurodivergent people.
Despite her passing, Hesiler’s community and legacy have been carried on by her husband, Lenny Heisler, who passed the role of Executive Director to Kendra Heisler, to make the organization Dream Street what it is today: a successful performing arts business and opportunity for neurodivergent people to make their acting dreams come true. At Dream Street, there are year-round workshops and rehearsals for performers to practice their talents, such as acting and dancing. Dream Street’s mission, according to their website, is to empower neurodivergent adults to “discover and cultivate their talents and abilities, [break] down stereotypes and provide transformative artistic and employment opportunities for a historically marginalized and deeply underestimated population.”
The adult actors are called “Dreamers” because of the company’s name, “Dream Street.” Each semester, “Dreamers” have the opportunity to perform in different shows; some recent ones include adapted versions of “O Sister!” by Bernice Nduku and “Frankenstein” by Nick Dear. The Polygon had the opportunity to speak with Tracy King, one of the many actors at Dream Street. “I have made many friendships across my time at Dream Street, and my favorite part of performing is singing with my friends,” she mentioned. King recently performed a solo song “O Sister!” which she really enjoyed.
Maggie Cochran ’26 is one of the many Volunteer Teaching Assistants (TAs) at Dream Street, working alongside teachers who majored in topics such as theater and psychology. As a TA, Cochran directs and supports the various neurodivergent actors throughout the rehearsal process. TAs also help Dreamers learn choreography and encourage them to practice as much as possible at home. During rehearsals, much of Cochran’s help consists of “getting everyone focused, in a circle and ready to do [their] acting exercises.” She describes her greatest challenge as blocking, which means ensuring actors are in their designated places on stage. Sometimes, TAs stand onstage with the actors during performances to guide those who struggle to memorize content. Some actors can memorize the lines, though, and Cochran notes that “they are pushed to do as much as they can.”
One “Dreamer” that Cochran worked with “had really intense stage fright, which was abrupt.” Cochran hadn’t seen that from her before because she had previously been very comfortable with acting. She insisted on holding Cochran’s arm during the entire performance, but Cochran had to help other actors backstage. Despite this challenging moment, it was a good push for the “Dreamer” in her career. “Dreamers”, however, are treated like professionals, so if they don’t do the show, they cannot receive their paycheck, making times like this one difficult to navigate. Dream Street’s process demonstrates their dedication to ensuring the “Dreamers” get the authentic experience of working on set.
Cochran finds her involvement in this program to be a very valuable and inspiring experience. “All my connections are so powerful,” and “it is an incredible thing to be a part of,” she mentioned. Everyone deserves the opportunity for creative self-expression, and Dream Street recognizes that. Not only does Dream Street build social connection and collaboration, but it also fosters confidence and independence within each “Dreamer.” Dream Street Theatre Company is redefining the performance industry in New York City and beyond.
