Michael James Scott is best known for and is currently the longest running Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. He’s also played the role Internationally in London, the North American Tour and originating it in the Australian Production for which he won the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten and originating Dr. Gotswana (aka The Maggots Guy) in the Tony-winning phenomenon The Book of Mormon. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf, and Hair. Numerous National tours and Regional theatre, include Fosse, Aida, Ragtime, South Pacific, Cinderella and Little Shop of Horrors to name a few. Television and film appearances including The Carrie Diaries (The WB), Independent Woman (Feature Film), The View (ABC), The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (NBC), The Late Show with Conan O’Brien (NBC), Good Morning America (ABC), The Today Show (NBC) The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (CBS), The TONY Awards (CBS) and the Showtime series Black Monday. Michael is the voice of the Disney Cruise Line’s ship The Wish national campaign where you can hear his rendition of the iconic song A Dream is A Wish. He can be heard on many original Broadway cast albums, multiple studio recordings, The Broadway Boy's album Lullaby of Broadway and his wildly successful Holiday album A Fierce Christmas. 

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

Amanda McFee is the Director of Arts Programs for District 75 Citywide Programs within NYC Public Schools. She is responsible for creating arts programming for school communities in order to support best practices and foster family engagement. As she specializes in access to instruction for students with disabilities, she provides professional development on the topic of arts-based instruction for teachers, related service providers, teaching artists, and others interested in supporting such work. She believes that the arts allow students to expand communication, self-expression and socialization, further developing motor skills, and increasing problem-solving abilities, while building independence. To promote inclusion across NYC, she creates partnerships with NYC Cultural Partners, training staff and building programs to break down barriers collaboratively and create a more inclusive future. She has also worked with museums to coauthor curricular resources, bringing opportunities into classrooms and students into the community. Amanda has been a guest speaker at the NYC Arts for All Abilities Consortium Conference and the LEGO National Championships, and a guest presenter at the International Society for Technology in Education, National Art Education Association, Museum Next, National Endowment for the Arts, Assistive Technology (AT) Expo | NYC PS, and other conferences worldwide.

Jared Bazemore is a singer from New York City who has been performing since the 8th grade and is very passionate about singing! 

As an autistic performer, Jared works heavily with EPIC Players, a neuro-inclusive theatre company. He has performed at various venues and events, including Lincoln Center Big Umbrella Festival, 54 Below and Joe’s Pub in several EPIC cabarets, Arts For Autism, and has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America. Jared has also performed with several Broadway performers, including Deanne Stewart, Christopher Stevens, Stephanie Torns, Benny Elledge, and Anastacia Mccleskey.

I would like to thank my family, my amazing friends, and EPIC Players for helping me with my confidence and career path. You’ve helped change my life!

IG: iamjaredbazemore

Rachel Barcellona is a graduate from The University of South Florida with a bachelors degree in English and a minor in communications. She studied at Julliard for Vocal Performance in New York, along with theatre. She is a national and international spokesperson for many organizations, including an ambassador for Best Buddies. Rachel has also established her own non profit in 2021 Ability Beyond Disabilities. She has spoken at many schools and been a keynote speaker across the country. Speaking at the United Nations on World Autism Day was an experience that she will never forget! Recognized as one of the top influential people with autism along with Daryl Hannah, Dan Aykroyd and Anthony Hopkins, and recently received the gold medal from The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award which is largely based on volunteer service and community involvement.

 Rachel is a writer and has been in off broadway theater and just performed at The Stand Comedy Club in New York and The Crow Comedy Club in Santa Monica California. Rachel is the lead in a film called Mandy’s Voice, which premiered this year at Film Festivals across the country. Miss Florida for America 2023, and currently Ms. Liberty New York her passion is helping others like herself to lead their best life!

Instagram @rachelbarcellonaxo 

Barcellona www.rachelbarcellona.com

Neurodiverse Performing Arts 

Theatrical socialization, dance & creative movement classes

Director/Founder - Dawn Ferro

IG: @horizons_unlimited_nj

This year's performance will be held at the glamorous and historic New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street!

The New Amsterdam Theatre opened in 1903 and is the oldest operating Broadway Theatre. Leased by the Walt Disney Company in 1993, the theatre was fully restored and reopened in 1997. Arts for Autism has been warmly welcomed by Disney, and we're so excited to be able to perform on the same stage as ALADDIN!

Arts for Autism is a one night annual Broadway benefit concert where the biggest names on Broadway join performing arts students from around the country at a premier New York City theatre venue. Together we perform, spread acceptance, and inspire compassion, kindness, and understanding for those impacted by autism. We hope you'll join us for this evening celebrating hope and new beginnings as we look forward to a brighter future for all.

We embrace a judgment-free and inclusive environment for patrons with a wide range of sensory and/or communication differences, including individuals on the autism spectrum, young children, and families who would benefit from a relaxed theatre experience. Sensory-friendly space will be available in the theatre lobby during the performance should attendees need a break. 

We're passionate about the arts and how they can positively impact everyone, which is why each year funds raised from the Arts For Autism benefit concert will be distributed in the form of grants between $1,000 and $5,000. We have established the Arts & Community Access Grant, which can be used for any project (including arts-related) that has a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. We will grant as many as possible until funds raised are exhausted. Grants are available for any U.S. based organization or individual and people on the autism spectrum are encouraged to apply. Funds granted must be used within twelve months of being awarded.

Our newly established advisory board will oversee the granting of funds raised at the Arts For Autism benefit concert. The board was formed in 2022 in response to community feedback about where money raised is being donated. We are excited to see where they decide to make an impact to support the autism community this year and beyond! Check our site later this summer for updates.

Michael Holzer

Producer 

Paul Staroba

Musical Director

Keiji Ishiguri 

Musical Arrangements & Orchestrations 

Natalie Malotke

Director

Jacque Carnahan

Artistic Director

Jōvan Dansberry

Guest Choreographer

Kevin Leahy

Musical Arrangements

& Orchestrations

Morgan Rose-Johnson

Associate Director

Every year dozens of Broadway performers lend their time and talents to our event. Check out our show program archives to find all your favorite stars!

"This event to me is special because it shows that there isn't one way to tell a story. The power of song. The power of dance. It has a farther reach than just entertainment. We can do something. We can do something really important."

- Kelvin Moon Loh, The King and I & Spongebob Squarepants, the Broadway Musical

PEOPLE IN ATTENDENCE

RAISED TO SUPPORT

THOSE WITH AUTISM

STUDENTS

PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS

NIGHT

"I believe all people need to be respected and accepted for who they are."

- Laura Osnes, Two-Time Tony Award Nominee, Cinderella & Bonnie & Clyde

Presented By

Contact Us

info@artsforautism.net

917-475-4580

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