RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2020
Diana Elizabeth Jordan
Diana Elizabeth Jordan (Actor, Solo Artist, Filmmaker, Disability Inclusion Artivist) offers an dynamic and powerful alternative to the traditional keynote address through her one-woman shows, performance lectures and spoken word concerts. She is a living example of triumphing over adversity and resiliency. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which mildly affects her speech and gait, around age two, she grew up with a tenacious determination to not to let adversity stand in the way of achieving her dreams. Jordan was the first actress with a disability to obtain a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from California State University Long Beach. She also holds certificates in Occupational Therapy (University of Kansas) and Social Emotional Arts (UCLA). As an award-winning actress, she has been cast in more than 60 theater productions, film and television including CBS’ S.W.A.T. She also hosts the weekly vlog, A Morning Cup of Joy.
Jordan’s talents extend beyond of her love of performing. She is an award-nominated director and a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association. She is also the C.C.O. (Chief Creative Officer) and founder of The Rainbow Butterfly Café, an EduTainment Production Company, which she launched in 2015. Last year she launched Dreaming Big On A Swing Entertainment.
Jordan is committed to entertaining, impacting and empowering audiences in celebrating inclusive diversity, disability intersectionality, resiliency, empathy, personal growth and professional development. Whether portraying a character or sharing a personal story, Jordan touches the hearts of audiences with her humor, creativity, vulnerability and honesty.
LEARN MORE
After an extensive search and interview process, 30 individuals were invited to participate in RespectAbility’s Summer 2020 Lab for Entertainment Professionals. This 5-week, 15-session virtual summer Lab series for people interested in – and with experience in – development, production and post-production, including careers as writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, animators and other production roles, will take place June 16 – July 16, 2020. Participants include diverse people with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health and other disabilities. Learn more: www.respectability.org/respectability-la-lab.
This program, which continues building the talent pipeline of young professionals with disabilities looking to work behind the scenes, is made possible with support by:
- Platinum Sponsors: Murray/Reese Foundation and The Walt Disney Company
- Gold Sponsors: Cast & Crew, Comcast NBCUniversal and Final Draft
- Silver Sponsors: Fox Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment
