Hi, thanks for joining us! This is Bonnie Wallace, author of The Hollywood Parents Guide, and Young Hollywood Actors, and today my guest on this podcast is Diana Elizabeth Jordan. Diana is a film and TV actress and has just made history as the first black, female filmmaker with cerebral palsy.
Diana has an MFA in acting from California State University Long Beach and has committed her career to entertaining and ensuring that disability is an inclusive part of the American Scene. For the past 20 years, she has earned a living as an actor and acting coach for people with disabilities. Joining us is Cory Reeder, an award-winning filmmaker who produced Diana’s film, I Can.
We discuss what real disability inclusion looks like, changes that are needed in the entertainment industry to support inclusion and representation, advocacy, advice Diana has for people who want to have a career in the industry, what it was like to direct her first film, the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge, and much more. This is a truly educational and inspiring episode.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
Link to Diana’s movie, I Can
Follow Diana:
Cory Reeder: https://www.coryreeder.com/
Resources:
Share the story of this film with these hashtags:
Diana’s story is inspiring, and her initiative is something that all actors and would-be actors (and directors!) should take to heart. The time has never been better to seize your own creative destiny. Technology, from the filming capacity of smartphones to the platform of YouTube, means that you can create your own work and not wait to be “chosen” in order to be an artist.
If you want some guidance on how to get started building an acting career, consider investing in a consultation with me over Skype or in person in LA. In just one session, you can get peace of mind and a detailed action plan.
Ep 36: Brenna D’Amico, Actor
Ep 35: Danielle Hoover, TV Writer and Actor
Ep 34: Diane Christiansen, Acting Coach
Ep 33: Claire Chubbuck, Ivana Chubbuck Youth Studio
Ep 32: Ann Henry, co-founder of BizParentz.org
Ep 31: Joey Bragg, Part 2 of 2
Ep 30: Joey Bragg, Part 1 of 2
Ep 29: Dove Cameron: Actor, Singer
Ep 28: Aaron Benward, Singer/Songwriter
Ep 27: Chambers Stevens: Acting Coach, Actor, Author, Playwright
Ep 26: Anna Grace Barlow, Actress
Ep 25: Aliki Theofilopoulos: Animator, Director, Writer, Producer, Artist
Ep 24: Molly Kaye, B Major Music
Ep 23: Mae Ross, 321 Acting Studios
Ep 21: Ryan McCartan, Actor and Singer
Ep 20: Melissa de la Cruz, Author
Ep 19: Krisha Bullock & Stuart Alexander, Founders of Scenebot
Ep 18: Luke Benward, Actor
Ep 17: Conversation with John D’Aquino, Veteran Actor and Master Acting Coach
Ep 16: Amy Anderson, Comedian, Actress, & Mother of Modern Family’s Aubrey Anderson-Emmons
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Cinema: A to B
I Finally Watched...
Star Wars Escape Pod
Pop Culture Happy Hour
Pod Meets World