Dad’s Garage, Special Needs Actors Team Up In Short Film

Dad’s Garage is best known for their scripted and improvised stage work, but they are increasingly getting noticed for their web-based project, Dad’s Garage TV. Jerry’s Habima is Georgia’s only theater company produced by professionals and featuring actors with special needs.

Dad’s Garage Artistic Director Kevin Gillese spoke with Lois Reitzes about the genesis of the partnership as well as the process of writing and shooting the short film, called “That Was Awesome.”

“I knew that I wanted to do an underdog sports story with these guys,” Gillese told Reitzes.

That story takes inspiration from similar underdog sports story movies like “The Mighty Ducks” or “Eddie the Eagle,” albeit with a signature Dad’s warm-hearted wink.

Habima actors Katie Rouille and Luke Davis also joined the conversation. Sadly, both actors identified with the short film’s theme of bullying, but Katie said the ultimate message is a positive one:

“It’s about acceptance of people with special needs.”

“That Was Awesome” is now in post-production. Gillese and the Dad’s Garage team hope to submit the short film to festivals, so that means the general public won’t be able to see it for a while. We will update you here when “That Was Awesome” is streaming online.