Lizzie and Danny - are theatres required to use disabled actors?

The question you're answering.
February 13, 2026
Login to flag as inappropriate

As a small community theatre, I am concerned about proposing this show. Is there a restriction to cast disabled actors in these parts? Is there any guidance for portraying these characters with dignity and sincerity - how much do we need to lean into the blind and deaf aspects? Is there any way to take out the references to the disabilities completely? Thank you!

1 Answer

Staff Answer
February 20, 2026

Hi! Per the authors’ wishes, there are no casting restrictions for those characters. However for some guidance, you may read the authors’ note on the new version here: https://www.mtishows.com/sites/default/files/baby_2021_version_authors_n...

You may also want to license the original version of the show where the characters of Lizzie & Danny do not identify (or are specified) as blind and deaf.