Tai Young has never allowed being in a wheelchair slow him down. He is an avid singer and dancer, competes in musical theatre, is an ambassador for Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital among other organizations, and attends Unionville High School for the drama program.
https://www.hollandbloorview.ca
Tai has been a co-host for WE DAY for the past three years and was recently awarded the 2019 Roger Abbott & Don Ferguson ES Award for Achievement in the Performing Arts by Easter Seals of Ontario.
Easter Seals Ontario Awards Announcement
http://www.easterseals.org/wp-content/uploads/20756/2019-Easter-Seals-Ontario-Annual-Report.pdf
Tai is a competitive musical theatre performer who trains and works with Arts Spotlight Theatre Company. “I do not have a mentor except for Kathy at Spotlight. She helped me become a better performer and has given me lots of tips and helpful advice to help me get better”, says Tai.
You can check out Arts Spotlight at: https://www.facebook.com/ARTSSPOTLIGHT
Tai has wanted to be an actor as long as he can remember. He loves the theatre but has also enjoyed being in a few television commercials. His favourite theatre performer is Ben Platt. “He is a really amazing performer and he was in one of my favourite shows. (Dear Evan Hansen). I hope one day to be able to sing as well as him. “
For Tai trying to navigate the world of acting, inaccessibility when he has gone for auditions has always been a challenge. Roles are less available for him as he is in a wheelchair and he hasn’t found that many agencies will consider him for roles. Tai worked on the Dear Everybody campaign with Holland Bloorview to encourage casting agencies, writers and directors to include disability in their work.
“Actors with disabilities do not always have to play “sick” people or “injured ” people. We are just the same as everyone else just living our lives. “, said Tai Young.
Tai’s most rewarding experience was having the opportunity to play “Chip” in Unionville’s Theatre performance of Beauty and the Beast.
Fun Fact: Tai was the kid on the PC Charity Truck, he was approximately eight years old.
Tai was represented by Minor Details for many years but has now aged out of the division. He is available and looking for an agent willing to take him on when projects resume.
Tai will be attending grade 11 in the fall and continue his studies at Unionville High School in the Arts Unionville program for Drama. Tai has been with Arts Spotlight for 4 years as a competitive musical theatre performer.
FOLLOW TAI ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.instagram.com/therealtaiyoung/
Check out a cute commercial from 2016 that Tai was in!
Tai with Dance Vocab
Thank you for sharing Tai’s story! This is a great representation of the things he does!
You’re very welcome! Tai works hard and deserves to be recognized. Happy to help! 🙂
Thank you Darlene for telling the story of an incredible young man!
Of course, he is a talented young man!