Tallie Johnson)

CRE Outreach is the only all-bind theatre troupe in the country. Since 2007, the non-profit has been dedicated to helping the visually impaired lead enriched lives. 

“I’m learning how to do things that I never done before, “ said Ruth Cook, a member of the theatre for the blind, “and [to build] the confidence to get there on stage and know that I can do this.”

Ruth Cook started losing her sight from a traumatic injury at age 19. She developed glaucoma and cataracts, which eventually left her totally blind. But the theatre group has lifted her sprits. 

“Studying my lines, getting back and forth to rehearsal, and being with my family” are the things Cook cherishes these days.   

Bert Grose was shot 25 years ago and woke up in a coma to find out he was blind. 

"I said no no no," said Grose, "and I covered my eyes."

What did you want to do at that moment?

"Jump."

But that was the past. The theatre group has helped him improve both his memory and speech. 

Greg Shane is the associate director of the program. He was born blind in his right eye. He is essential in helping the actors adapt to the stage without the use of canes or seeing-eye dogs.

“I think theatre has such as impact because it allows someone to step outside themselves and into someone else's shoes and that gives them an escape from reality,“ said Shane. 

The actors use audio recordings to memorize their lines and mats to learn their spacing. They use sound cues to help them orient their position around the stage. 

Many of the troupe members got their start by taking acting classes at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles. Shane teaches a class at the Institute once a week each semester. 

“It provides that therapeutic support," said Anita Wright, LA Program Director at the Braille Institute, "whether it's working on memory skills, or working on fine motor graphs, or working on sensory awareness to just the true social formation where our adults can come and have a social vignette.” 

The cabaret style show is a series of vignettes and originals songs that represent the positive life outlook of many in the cast. The group also produces full-length plays they write themselves. 

"Look at us and..[don’t] feel sorry for us," said Ernest Pipoly, a member of the Blind Theatre Troupe, “but be amazed at what they are seeing as we are performing.” 

Reach Tallie Johnson here.