SHOWAbility and Alliance Theatre launch disability talent showcase partnership

SHOWAbility and The Alliance Theatre are teaming up for a Nov. 15 showcase in Atlanta spotlighting performing artists with disabilities, including disabled veterans. The event is designed to expand visibility, access and professional opportunity across the arts and entertainment industries.

Why it matters: - The partnership puts disability inclusion on a major Atlanta stage and frames talent from artists with disabilities as a professional asset, not a limitation. - The event is intended to widen access to arts and entertainment careers, including roles off stage and behind the scenes. - The showcase also aims to elevate employment and economic opportunity for disabled veterans and other people with disabilities.

What happened: - SHOWAbility announced a new community partnership with The Alliance Theatre, a leading regional theatre in Atlanta. - The organizations will host a Talent Showcase for performing artists with disabilities, including veterans, on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. - The event will take place at the Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree Street NE in Atlanta. - Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - Tickets are available through the theatre's ticketing page. - Parking information is available through the theatre's visitor guide.

The details: - SHOWAbility is an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on increasing visibility, relatability, opportunity and accessibility for performing artists with disabilities. - The showcase is designed to give talented performers across the disability spectrum a professional platform. - SHOWAbility says the event reflects its view that disability does not diminish talent, creativity, ambition or the ability to contribute meaningfully to the arts. - The organization has worked through performances, workforce development, career readiness, advocacy, industry engagement and community partnerships. - The Alliance Theatre says accessibility is an ongoing commitment that includes welcoming artists and patrons of all abilities and incorporating inclusion, diversity, equity and access throughout the theatre experience. - Daviorr Snipes, director of Community and Internal Engagement for The Alliance Theatre, said the partnership connects the organizations' expertise, audiences and resources while expanding visibility and pathways for disabled performers. - SHOWAbility recently held a virtual summit for its Star Collective members focused on coaching, conversation, information and advocacy for disabled performers and entertainment professionals. - The organization is also encouraging metro-Atlanta's disability community, family and friends, day and residential programs, advocates and resource providers to attend. - The event follows National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October and comes after Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Between the lines: - The timing signals a deliberate effort to connect arts visibility with a broader employment conversation. - SHOWAbility is pushing the message that opportunity for disabled artists extends beyond performing on stage or in front of a camera. - The event is meant to demonstrate that disability inclusion can be part of the creative and professional landscape, not just an accommodation after the fact. - Board Chair Norma Stanley said the goal is to create pathways for disabled artists to be seen, considered, hired and valued.

What's next: - SHOWAbility plans to use the showcase to keep building awareness, community support and professional pathways for disabled performers. - The partnership with The Alliance Theatre is expected to support future programming that expands access and visibility for artists with disabilities. - The organization wants the event to spark more discussion about career readiness and economic opportunity for disabled people, including veterans.

The bottom line: - SHOWAbility and The Alliance Theatre are turning a showcase into a wider push for access, hiring and representation in the performing arts.