Who Are We?
OUR MISSION
DreamStreet Theatre Company is a performing and creative arts community that empowers adults with developmental disabilities to discover and cultivate their talents and abilities, breaking down stereotypes and providing transformative artistic and employment opportunities for a historically marginalized and deeply underestimated population.
Through large-scale theatrical productions, community outreach performances, and career-building initiatives, DreamStreet uses the performing arts as a springboard to enable people with developmental disabilities to strengthen their artistic, interpersonal, and professional skills, build self-confidence, and become role models in transforming the texture of the performing and creative arts community in NYC and beyond.
our history
DreamStreet Theatre Company was founded by the late Karuna Thompson Heisler, a social worker, performing artist, mother, wife, and dear friend. Karuna grew up with an older brother who was a dancer, an actor, and a gay man living with Down’s Syndrome. It was the 1950s and her brother Jimmy Thompson was institutionalized, without a platform to express himself, create art, advocate for and represent himself, onstage or off.
Karuna carried her brother’s dreams with her as the inspiration for DreamStreet. While working at the Young Adult Institute, Karuna saw that individuals with disabilities have limited access to much-needed services. She sought to change that by bringing accessible theatre and creative arts spaces and opportunities to people with developmental disabilities. Despite Karuna’s untimely passing, her family and a group of passionate professionals continue to support her legacy and community through this organization.
OUR FOUNDERS
Karuna Heisler
DreamStreet Founder
Karuna was a great leader, a humanitarian giant, and a dynamic motivator for those feeling disenfranchised. She was a New York City social worker who rallied for the rights of those with Down's Syndrome, Autism, and Developmental Disabilities, starting the first socialization skills department at The Young Adult Institute for People with Disabilities (YAI). Her work ethic set the bar, and her ideas were propelled by the fire in her gut. She had a colossal personality and presence filled with love, wisdom and self-expression.
Lenny Heisler
DreamStreet Co-Founder
Len Heisler has watched Dreamstreet grow into the company Karuna had dreamed it would be. He is thrilled that it has continued to evolve and change the lives of individuals with special needs who seek community, social support and a creative outlet through the performance.
