Expecting the (un)expected

Rachel Garmon-Williams (’10) is connected to their Richmond, Virginia, community by eight bridges that cross the mighty James River.

“We are the ninth connector,” said Garmon-Williams, creator and executive director of Bridge 9 Theater. “A core part of founding this organization was connecting the community through laughter.” With its Sensory Friendly Improv Shows, Bridge 9 Theater brings diversity and inclusivity to the river city’s art scene.

Garmon-Williams’ experience as a special events manager at Imagination Stage, a theater organization in Maryland devoted to accessibility of the arts, was the inspiration behind Bridge 9 Theater.

In traditional theater, lights and sounds can be overwhelming for autistic individuals and other sensory-sensitive groups. Bridge 9 Theater uses adaptive measures, such as giving warnings before loud noises — staff use glowsticks to let the audience know of volume changes — and “scooping” music by turning it on slowly instead of suddenly.

Bridge 9 Theater also ensures the audience arrives knowing what to expect by providing the schedule in advance with details about the location and indoor experience. The theater opens early, offering attendees ample time to settle in. Aisles are extra wide with multiple pathways for theatergoers to move around as needed.

A Musical Theatre and Dance major minoring in Nonprofit Management, Garmon-Williams adopted their service mentality and strong sense of community from JMU. “Learning the power of serving the community, each other and ourselves had a huge impact on me,” they said.

Garmon-Williams will continue expanding Bridge 9 Theater’s reach, organizing shows that are not just for diverse populations but involve diverse performers. In the next year, they hope to facilitate improv classes for the deaf community.

“Providing these spaces where arts are accessible and people can see themselves in arts is a human condition that we need. We need these outlets, whether we do it ourselves or observe it.”