Few theatres provide challenging arts opportunities for adults with disabilities and fewer still encourage them to be artists as well as audience members. ArtStream's six Inclusive Theatre Companies invite actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to collaborate with theater professionals and trained volunteer mentors to develop and present original musical theatre productions. Participants can also take theatre-based classes to boost self-confidence and strengthen communications and social skills. And the arts can heal, just as they can educate and entertain. Partnerships with schools, community organizations, and others ensure that adults and children can access the arts in a way that is meaningful, powerful, and healing. Your contribution makes it happen.

COVID-19 Update: By March 31st ArtSTream had transformed itself into an online rehearsing and performing company, and by April 9, 2020 had transitioned all classes to virtual platforms. In June it premiered its first Salute to ArtStream, in which all six Inclusive Theater Companies performed virtually for hundreds of audience members from 19 states.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; Internationally; Operating out of Chevy Chase, MD, ArtStream provides programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) -including autism - throughout the Greater Washington DC metropolitan region. ; Indonesia

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities

Schools They Work In: The Forbush School at Oakmont Upper School; The Frost School; The Katherine Thomas School at TLC; The Mason LIFE Program at George Mason University; St. Mary's County Public Schools; The Learning Community International (TLCI) School


  • Number of people with disabilities served annually:   1200
  • Number of hours of volunteer work we record annually:   4494
  • Classes for people with disabilities offered annually:   800
  • Original musical theatre performances by people with disabilities offered annually:   40
  • Number of adults with disabilities in classes and performing companies:   415

Awards & Recognition

Down Syndrom Affiliates in Action - Best Teen/Adult Program (received in partnership with Down Syndrome Network Montgomery County)

The Ethan Saylor Memorial Film Festival - Outstanding Technical Support

The Arc Montgomery County - Community Inclusion Award

Montgomery County Executive's Awards for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities - Community Leader Award, Executive Director Patricia Woolsey

Press

Budget (FY2016)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for ArtStream is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

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