Abstract

This paper seeks to answer how and when disabled dancers utilize the theater as a third space for community care, mutual aid, and interdependence. This paper also asks how and when theatres can serve as third space. I argue that theatres, especially local and community theatres, absolutely count as third space under the criteria given by urban theorist Ray Oldenburg. Additionally, I argue that Oldenburg’s trait of “accessibility” as a third space quality should be expanded to include disability accessibility. I study multiple disabled dance troupes, with a focus on Momenta from Chicago, to see how disabled dancers utilize theatre’s third space qualities for community care. I also dive deep into the creation of an original evening-length show titled Changing the Ending in which myself and three other disabled dancers told and danced stories from our lives regarding disability. Interviews from the involved dancers from before and after the performance are included and analyzed.

Advisor

Fitz Gibbon, Heather

Second Advisor

Baird, Emily

Department

Theatre and Dance; Urban Studies

Disciplines

Dance | Disability Studies | Urban Studies and Planning

Keywords

Disability, Mutual Aid, Third Space, Disabled Dance

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2025 Cody Griffin Clark