Josh

Josh and the State Theatre: a dream come true

Josh has always dreamed of working in a theatre. “I have mentioned this to many people in my life,” Josh says, “but until now, this dream has seemed un-obtainable.”

That all changed when Mum shared Josh’s dream with Alison from Down Syndrome NSW. Alison reached out to various theatres and eventually connected with Mark from the State Theatre, opening a door Josh thought might never open.

And now, Josh is proudly part of the State Theatre team, working Front of House!

Josh’s job is rewarding, but it hasn’t come without support. “Working in the State Theatre is amazing, but I needed help to learn social skills needed in a professional environment,” he explains. “I also needed tasks broken down to make them easier to learn, and sometimes the tasks were changed a little or I was given extra aids, like adding a strap to my torch.”

Josh was first shown the ropes by another staff member, then supported by Mum. Alison also visits the theatre regularly, helping the team understand how best to support Josh’s success.

Josh’s workdays are busy and varied. Some tasks Josh can do independently, or with a little help, like putting on his jacket or writing his name and time on the sign-on sheet. He finds seat numbers and rows on paper tickets but needs help with digital ones. Josh reads tickets and directs patrons to the correct seats and sometimes needs a hand redirecting patrons to the right aisle.

He’s learning to remember important things, like standing during performances and making sure all patrons are seated before taking a toilet break. Josh also helps keep the theatre clean by changing paper towels and toilet paper in bathrooms, a task he still gets help with. Using a torch to show patrons the exits during the show is part of the role too, though Josh needs gentle reminders for this.

Mum helps Josh prepare at home, teaching him where the rows and seats are. They read social stories together during their train trips to work, which Josh says really help him. “I’m a visual learner, so social stories really help me. Showing me also helps, but practicing at home what I’m shown helps it stick.”

Josh’s experience is already making a real difference. “I love the theatre and helping people,” he says. “And I get to watch some shows!” Beyond the fun, the job has boosted Josh’s self-esteem and independence. “I feel more in control of my finances now because I can choose what to spend my money on. This will help me with budgeting and saving for things I really like.”

Mum has noticed changes too. “Josh is learning to travel into the city and picking up social skills, both formally and informally.” She shares a great example: “Before, at Special Olympics Swimming, Josh would always spend the first 20 minutes in the bathroom, mostly as an avoidance tactic. Since starting work, he gets into the pool immediately!”

For Josh, this job is more than just work experience. “It’s a dream come true,” he says, “and I’m still coming to terms with the fact that this is ongoing, not just a short period of time like before.”

Josh and Mum are full of praise for the people at the State Theatre. “The team I work with are welcoming and supportive and management is amazing,” Josh says.

And Mum adds, “Josh and I can’t thank the Employment Connections program and Alison enough! This has honestly been a dream come true for both of us.”