A Star is Born

Meet Declan Everett Carrborn To Take The Stage By Storm

WRITTEN BY MELISSA KLATT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE HERDLICK

Declan Everett Carr, 17-yearold North Canton native and student at Hoover High School, was diagnosed with autism. From a young age, he had difficulty with communication and learning in school; however, once he was introduced into the theater life, he excelled! Read more about his story here:

Difficulties Noticed in Toddlerhood and Beyond

Since he was a toddler, communication was always something Declan struggled with. He would speak, but did have issues communicating his wants and needs.

“He attended speech therapy which improved his ability to communicate,” says mom, Jennie Carr. “We later learned that he has a processing disorder, meaning he needs additional time to process information. He also is extremely dyslexic and reading is very difficult for him.”

The Love for Theater Begins

The start of his love for theater began while seeing a play at the age of eight years old. When Declan shared his interest in pirates, his family decided to take him to see a pirate play put on by Silver Star Youth Theatre.

“After the performance we talked to them about the possibility of Declan participating,” Jennie says. “He auditioned for their next production and received a role of Kaa the Snake in the Jungle Book.” Declan loved the experience!

Unfortunately, the organization didn’t perform anymore plays, so the search for a new opportunity led them to the Avenue Arts youth program!

“I contacted the directors before enrolling to let them know about Declan’s disability and any accommodations he might need, and they were more than willing to work with him.”

On Stage: He’s a Whole Different Kid!

Declan lit up on stage in the most fantastic way. In school, Declan has difficulty reading due to his dyslexia and processing disorder, but on stage, he needs no additional assistance. He brings a tremendous energy with him on stage, fully confident in his skills! “The transformation was significant,” Jennie reflects. “Although he couldn’t read, he memorized lines with ease, he followed stage directions perfectly, and his focus was nothing I had ever seen before. Although he required an aide in school, he required no additional assistance navigating the performance and didn’t miss any cues. He was a completely different kid on stage and took great pride in his performance. He has no stage fright or anxiety on stage and enjoys the interactions with the other cast members and with the audience.”

Best Advice a Special Needs Mom Can Offer

Get Your Kid Involved in Extracurriculars! Jennie says the best thing she’s done is encourage Declan to pursue extracurriculars: I would encourage other parents to enroll their child in an extracurricular activity. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work out. We tried MANY different activities before we found something he truly enjoyed. Explore your options, there are many opportunities out there.

Although he required an aide in school, he required no additional assistance navigating the performance and didn’t miss any cues.

Where Will Declan’s Journey Take Him Next?

Declan is currently participating in youth productions by Avenue Arts

Theatre in the Canton Arts District with the two people he admires most: youth directors David and Jared Sparks-Lee. With their support, Declan is pushed to his fullest potential! This will be Declan’s sixth year performing with the company. He will begin rehearsals for Little Mermaid in March. He loves musical theater and currently takes vocal lessons with Joy Life Talent Development. He has also performed over the summer with Theatre 8:15 in Green.

After high school, Declan plans on attending the Transition U program at Walsh University. We don’t know what the future holds in store, but we sure know Declan will “break a leg” at anything he puts his mind to!