Emily Driver's Great Race Through Time and Space by A.A. Brenner

As a history-obsessed 12-year-old, Emily Driver uses her YouTube channel to celebrate landmark moments of activism and change. So when her request for a needed wheelchair is denied, she takes matters into her own hands – and launches into a time-travelling trip across the country where she meets trailblazing leaders from the past who have fought for equal rights. Co-written with Gregg Mozgala and originally...
As a history-obsessed 12-year-old, Emily Driver uses her YouTube channel to celebrate landmark moments of activism and change. So when her request for a needed wheelchair is denied, she takes matters into her own hands – and launches into a time-travelling trip across the country where she meets trailblazing leaders from the past who have fought for equal rights. Co-written with Gregg Mozgala and originally comissioned by La Jolla Playhouse and National Disability Theatre, EMILY DRIVER'S GREAT RACE THROUGH TIME AND SPACE follows a young woman's journey as she learns the power of speaking up, and how one voice can inspire others to fight the forces of ableism and create a more equitable world.
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Emily Driver's Great Race Through Time and Space

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher:
    9 Aug. 2020
    “ This is 100% TYA done right and a perfect example of how to make truly accessible theatre. Every youth theatre program around the country needs to program this play!!! ”
  • Lainie Vansant:
    6 Aug. 2020
    “ If nothing else, you should read this play for an example of how to do accessibility right - I noticed a lot of strategies that I hadn't thought about as a theatre-maker, but that could certainly be used and incorporated into my future work. On top of that, it's an exciting piece of TYA that is sure to inspire, educate, and excite kids, not to mention giving them the opportunity to see a cast with a wide variety of abilities. It's a real romp, a pleasure to read, and I'm sure a ton of fun to produce. ”
  • Andrea Kovich:
    1 Aug. 2020
    “ A powerful piece of storytelling that highlights the Disability community’s struggle for civil rights and the momentous events leading up to the passage of the ADA. I was fortunate enough to witness the production of this play at National Disability Theatre’s launch party for the CA school tour. Striking the perfect balance between educational and entertaining, this play has an important message that resonates with people of all experiences. As a celebration of finding one’s inner power and the persistence required to fight for justice, it shows us the power of inclusion. ”

Character Information

Roles may be doubled. If so, we suggest the following pairings: Sally / Teddi; Lady J / Reverend.

In line with National Disability Theatre’s mission, and to ensure equal representation and intersectionality, at least 50% of the ensemble of this play must identify as disabled, and at least 50% of the ensemble must be people of color. Additionally, the actor cast as Teddi Mae must be a member of the LGBTQ community (and should personally identify as transgender).

  • Emily Driver
    12,
    Any / Disabled
    ,
    Female
    A spunky, independent disabled 12 year-old girl. Emily is a huge history buff and the host of a YouTube channel, Emily's Adventures in History. She uses crutches but craves the increased freedom a wheelchair would offer her.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Teddi Mae Leonard
    30s,
    Any / Disabled
    ,
    transfeminine
    Emily's mentor and guide through history. A wheelchair-using firebrand with style, sass, and pizzazz, Teddi famously drove from San Diego to Washington, D.C., in order to demand that the government (Medicaid) cover her healthcare costs.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Sally Driver
    40s,
    Any / Non-Disabled
    ,
    Female
    Emily's protective, loving and steadfast mother. She has fought for many years to ensure Emily gets everything she needs.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Hugh
    30s/40s,
    Any / Non-Disabled
    ,
    Male
    Hugh ("just Hugh") works for the government. He is stubborn, stingy and scared of change or progress.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Lady J
    20s,
    Any / Disabled
    ,
    Female
    A wheelchair-user and leader of the Disability Rights Movement. She is strong, intelligent and determined.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Reverend Willy Blake
    20s/30s,
    Any / Non-Disabled
    ,
    Male or Non-Binary
    A hippie reverend bent on taking action and advocating for progress in the name of peace, love, and equality.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Residency
    ,
    La Jolla Playhouse
    ,
    2020
  • Commission
    ,
    La Jolla Playhouse and National Disability Theatre
    ,
    2019
  • Workshop
    ,
    La Jolla Playhouse
    ,
    2019

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    La Jolla Playhouse
    ,
    2020