TheTRAIN Keeps Rolling: Trinity Rep’s Active Imagination Network

The TRAIN Keeps Rolling

by Jordan Butterfield and Kate Kataja

Ten years ago, Jordan Butterfield, now the Director of Education and Accessibility at Trinity Rep, and other staff members identified a need for more theater-based programming for people with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum. With experience working with this population already under her belt, Jordan was well-positioned to launch the Trinity Rep Active Imagination Network (TRAIN). A decade later, this thriving program serves as a model for theaters around the country and its network of partners includes Bradley Hospital, The Bradley Center, Sargent Rehabilitation Center, Seven Hills Rhode Island, and the Autism Project. Working with children, teens, and adults, TRAIN uses acting, improvisation, and other

theater skills to give participants the tools they need to learn, communicate, and build selfesteem. TRAIN actors develop important life skills and get to perform in plays like Charlotte’s Web, Knights of the Wholly Fail, Jurassic Parkody, and The Velveteen Rabbit. Some programs have moved online because of the pandemic, while others have resumed meeting in-person, adhering to strict safety protocols and testing. Assistant Director of Development Kate Kataja chatted with Jordan about how TRAIN has adapted.

Kate Kataja: How has the TRAIN program been affected by the shifts caused by COVID-19? Jordan Butterfield: This specific population has been left behind by the pandemic in so many ways: lack of resources, time, staffing. In the spring, we discovered all kinds of barriers for entry, from internet connection to a lack of available devices. Some kids who were typically paired with an occupational therapist or dedicated staff member were now working with a multitasking parent. A lot of the kids I’m working with now are middle and high schoolers, so we focus on collaboration, creativity, communication, and connection. This is infinitely harder to do online. Even now with some classes held in person, it’s hard. This is a population who relies quite a bit on facial expressions — not to mention how expressive performance is overall. We’ve been working on a lot of eye contact, though particularly for students with comorbidities like hearing loss, it’s so tough. Eventually, I’d love to have a clear-paneled surgicalgrade mask to teach in, but they are hard to come by. KK: What residencies are you currently doing? JB: We have three classes at Sargent, where we are working toward writing a series of short videos and short, unscripted vignettes, which will “premiere” this December. At Seven Hills RI, a longtime TRAIN partner, we are making our first movie! We’re rehearsing over Zoom once a week with an intergenerational group on an action-adventure film based loosely on Greek gods and goddesses. We’ll film in the fall, edit, and then release in January. The intergenerational aspect allows family members to participate in ways they’ve never been able to before; we’re innovating and trying something new together, and that’s really fun. We’re also in-person at Bradley Hospital,

which functions more like workshop sessions, as the population is always fluctuating. It’s been amazing to watch these kids, some of whom have been hospitalized for months and may also be dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or addiction, just be kids and play again. Being with them over Zoom in the spring was certainly a break from their typical day, but it wasn’t the same as in person. Bradley has some wonderful programs in fine arts, music, yoga, and even tape art, but the theater arts are so holistic. We work on the mind, body, and soul, integrating voice, and imagination. It simply helps them to get to know themselves and each other better. For some, it provides the first inclusive environment and sense of belonging that they’ve had. Especially right now, it’s a responsibility and a privilege to go into these hospitals and group homes. Kids are missing families, and they don’t get a lot of visitors, for obvious reasons. The consistency of the program helps them a lot; it’s not only whole-body work, but whole imagination. Everyone reacts to being hospitalized differently, and I aim to provide laughter, comfort, and humanity. KK: What can people who love Trinity Rep do to help support these programs? JB: The generous philanthropic support helping to keep Trinity Rep strong helps the education department continue to do its work. Never underestimate people with disabilities and their potential. Their contributions to art, culture, and community are invaluable.

To learn more about TRAIN, including watching the episode about Your Half Hour Call with Curt about the program, visit trinityrep.com/train.