In 1977, Bro. Rick Curry, S.J., PhD. founded the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped (NTWH) in New York City. More recently, he founded the Maine Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped (MTWH), as well.

The goals of the Workshops are to prepare artists with disabilities to qualify for and obtain work in the performing and fine arts, and to demonstrate to the theatrical (and general) community that persons with disabilities are a valuable and talented resource. Over the past 27 years, countless people have left both the NTWH and the MTWH for careers in the arts, returned to school, found vocations and have generally come to lead more productive lives.

Bro. Curry was born missing a forearm. As such, he decided at an early age that having a disability should not hold anyone back from realizing a dream. As a part of his Jesuit training he became a baker, and today is the author of two widely-read cookbooks. The proceeds from the sale of these books, and from Bro. Curry's Breads, help to support the work of the NTWH and MTWH.

Rick Curry, S.J., is a creative and charismatic individual who has touched the lives of many, inspiring scores of NTWH and MTWH students to fulfill their dreams and enrich their lives. In doing so, he has stretched the minds and hearts of the American public to better understand the too often unfulfilled promise of the disabled.

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