According to Real and Diverse (RAD) theatre director Clark Crystal: “The arts is a safe place for all to participate in and experience and the ensemble of actors of all abilities to respond to the opportunities to build their skills and confidence”. RAD Theatre has gone from street theatre to performing on stage at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
And employed with the front of house team at QPAC is Harrison (Harry) Quinn, working the same usher, cloakroom, lift and greeting rotations as the 130 other FOH staff. Harry was born with Dystonia, a condition where, as he puts it: ‘something has gone wrong with the wiring in my brain,’ causing intermittent muscle spasms and shaking. At times he appears to have the symptoms of Parkinsons disease or stroke, and his speech is slow, but articulate and crisp.
Asked why he chose QPAC as his ‘uni job’, he said, “Well I couldn’t very well do bar work, could I?” And obliged with a few shakes. “I have always enjoyed all types of theatre and music and came here a lot with my family.”
On how patrons react with his disability, “People are kind and patient and often ask about my disability and I briefly explain, not that there is a lot of time if I am showing them to their seat. But sometimes I wish they wouldn’t ask about it, I don’t want to be defined by my disability.”