Directed by Greg Shane
Written by ArtsUP! LA
Starring Ronnie Chism & Maliaka Mitchell
“The Climb” marks the most personal story that Theater by the Blind has shared. Have you ever wondered what is it like to go about the world without your vision? Raising a family, holding a job, playing sports?
Led by two blind actors who lost their vision in their 20s, “The Climb” tells the true story of their journey using original rap, poetry, spoken word, and classic songs to take the audience along as they share their most vulnerable moments. The show answers questions most people might be curious about, but never ask directly. These brave performers share their stories of their blindness and their journey to find a greater sense of self.
MEET THE CAST
RONNIE CHISM
Ronnie Chism was born in Brooklyn, New York. He left the Big Apple at the age of 3, which kick started the long journey of moving from state to state with his mother, which led him to the midwest and eventually Southern California. He took theater in high school and found it fun and interesting, but never thought it would lead to anything permanent. Ronald lost his sight after being diagnosed with an eye illness called “euvitus." He eventually started networking with members of the blind community who were involved in Theater by the Blind. There he was given an opportunity to get involved and got his start as an actor. He got a role in his first play and has been involved ever since. He is also an independent hip hop artist who goes by “Talk Show the Visionary” and aims to entertain and inspire.
MALIAKA MITCHELL
Maliaka Mitchell was born in Los Angeles, CA and lost her vision due to retinopathy. She has appeared in Nickelodeon's “Queen Bee” and was also featured in “Reading Rainbow” when she was 7 years old. Maliaka enjoys participating in Theatre by the Blind program because it has allowed her to explore another avenue for self-expression. She has also come to appreciate the abilities that she’s discovered by participating this production. She is thankful to Greg for believing in her. She loves to cook, dance, play the bass, sing and laugh. Her favorite food is watermelon and Jesus is her best-friend.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
GREG SHANE
Greg Shane is extremely proud of this cast and thinks “The Climb” is the most heartfelt production Theatre by the Blind has staged to date! Shane, Artistic Director of ArtsUP! LA, received his B.A. in theatre from Tulane University and his M.A. in Educational Theatre from the Steinhardt School at NYU. Since he began teaching theatre in 2003, Greg has traveled all over the world bringing performing arts and arts therapy programs to various populations in cities including London, Dublin, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Greg’s work helps at-risk youth, military veterans, prisoners, mentally challenged individuals, the homeless, and the visually impaired. Blind in his right eye, Greg’s personal connection and sensitivity towards the challenges of the visually impaired lend a unique perspective to his work.
