It could be as simple as creating large-print programs or as complex as understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act legalese, but Marit Majeske does it all as house manager for the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the George Mason University’s Prince William Campus.
“My belief is that nothing should keep people from fully enjoying the arts,” Majeske says. “Cost should not be a factor nor should any disability preclude you from enjoying something that everyone else enjoys.”
This belief likely led to Majeske being honored with the 2014 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts LEAD Emerging Leader Award. She is the first George Mason faculty or staff member to ever receive the national award, which is given each year to only a small group of those nominated.
Majeske and her team provide a variety of accessibility aids at center events, including large-print programs for every performance.
If someone calls the box office with concerns about seating because of a disability, Majeske invites them to view the theaters at different angles, so they can make good decisions about seating.
“Part of the Hylton Center’s mission is to provide diverse and accessible arts experiences to our patrons. I work to make our venue as open as possible,” Majeske says of her desire to help others through her work.
So far, captioning has been available for two performances, making it possible for more to enjoy the talent, says Majeske, who recently earned a master of arts in arts managment from Mason.
Each year, Majeske attends conferences where she gathers ideas to improve the services the center provides; some of which have been implemented, thanks to support from her supervisors and managers. Majeske says she feels it is important for the center to be an accessible workplace for all of its volunteers and employees.
To find staff, the center has worked with Didlake Inc., a Manassas firm that helps people with disabilities who seek employment.
“We’ve worked with [Didlake] since the beginning. Three of those staffers have been here since the opening [of the Hylton]; seeing how much they have grown and changed and improved in their jobs is just amazing,” Majeske says.
There are more than 100 center volunteers. Many are retired older adults who still want to live an active lifestyle and support their community, she says.
“Many of our volunteers’ and employees’ life circumstances change, but we work with everyone to ensure that they are still able to volunteer here, no matter what,” Majeske says.
Majeske joined the center’s staff in 2010, just before the center opened to the public. She will be presented with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts LEAD Emerging Leader award in August.
This story first appeared on the George Mason University website.
