‘We wanted to create opportunities for other people like us’
Two woman living with autisim team up to start theatre company
Best friends Leah Mcdonald and Charlotte Doyle share a passion for musical theatre and raising awareness about autism.
Mcdonald, 26, and Doyle, 18, both live with autism and met last April in an acting class at the Autism Society in St. John's. They hit it off quickly.
As their program came to a close in June 2023, they decided to perform a scene together written by Mcdonald.
Mcdonald had been working on a play with Spirit of Newfoundland's Peter Halle called "Understanding Wonderland." It's a spin on "Alice in Wonderland," helping people understand what it's like to live with autism.
"I pulled from a lot of my experiences on how autism affects me," said Mcdonald.
“Charlotte and I, we understand where the other person is coming from and what we are going through and we want other people to understand too."
FIRST PAID GIG
After a successful reading at the Autism Society, the pair were approached for another at the C.B.S. Library.
“It was a big jump for us because that was our first real audience outside of the Autism Society,” said Mcdonald.
From there, they were offered a paid gig, which, for two aspiring actors, was a big deal.
"We were so excited to be able to make a little money off of our passion," said Mcdonald.
Because they were beginning to get paid for their work, Doyle's mother, Lisa Pinhorn, suggested they get serious about it.
"My mother said, 'You know, if you want to keep doing this, which I think you should, you should try and make a business,'" said Doyle.
That's when they decided to form a theatre company, turning their passion into a nine-tofive endeavour.
“We got serious and came up with our name and started building our theatre company,” said Mcdonald.
'NEURODYNAMIC THEATRICS'
Mcdonald said they named the company Neurodynamic Theatrics, to embrace neurodiversity and promote inclusivity in the arts.
“We adopted that name to show people that we are accepting, accessible and inclusive. One of the biggest things that we'd like to achieve with this company is to create opportunities for other people like us,” said Doyle.
They also aspire to create theatre productions that raise awareness and celebrate those who live with autism.
Now the pair are preparing for their biggest gig yet: a full production of their play, "Understanding Wonderland," in partnership with Theatre C.B.S.
'HOLDING THEM UP'
The pair have been busy rehearsing, buying costumes and having various production meetings. Soon they will begin auditioning for the play.
Pinhorn is assisting them through the business side of things. While they refer to her as their manager, Pinhorn says she is just being a supportive parent.
“They are the true masterminds behind this. Even in meetings I am in the background. I’m supporting them, driving them where they want to go and helping them pick out costumes,” said Pinhorn.
“I am holding them up and letting them do what they want to do.”
BECOMING SUSTAINABLE
Outside of being supportive, Pinhorn is also ensuring that the company can sustain itself financially.
"The work these two girls are putting in, I wouldn't want to see this be nothing by next year," she said.
"We are currently exploring becoming a non-profit or picking up charitable status. We're thinking about it because the theatre and arts world are full of grant opportunities and I see that as a way to fund things. Currently, I am paying for everything, but I don’t mind because they're happy."
FINDING THEIR PLACE
While she is excited to see their first full production, Pinhorn said that being able to watch her daughter form a bond and find herself creatively is enough for her.
“Fitting in and belonging are two very different things and we have to find a place for people to feel like they belong,” said Pinhorn.
“That's what's happening for Charlotte and Leah. Together they've found their place.”
'THEIR ENTHUSIASM IS IMPRESSIVE'
Gordon Billard, president of Theatre C.B.S., said when Mcdonald and Doyle approached the organization with the play he was impressed by the creativity and educational potential.
But what excited him most about their show was the passion shared by Doyle and Mcdonald, he said.
“The enthusiasm that they bring to this is impressive. If (Mcdonald) had it her way, this show would do an island tour, and everybody on the island would know all about autism.
“It's a worthy subject to put onstage in that way. I'm learning a lot about autism by being involved in it.”
'PRODUCE IT IN A BIGGER WAY'
Billard said Theatre C.B.S.'S role is assisting the pair with logistics, administration, auditions, and production planning.
"All we want to do is to help both Doyle and Mcdonald produce this in a bigger way," he said.
The first full production of "Understanding Wonderland" is expected to hit the stage this fall, and while a venue hasn't been selected yet, Billard said they are working on it. Billard added he is excited to see their vision come to life.
He also plans to take it a step further and help Doyle and Mcdonald get the play produced in schools across the province.
“Most schools have students who are on the spectrum somewhere and it would be helpful, I think, for the school population to have a better understanding of these people and what makes them special,” said Billard.