“Thanks, autism!” was a key takeaway excerpted directly from Jorge Gutierrez‘s (Maya and the Three, The Book of Life) educationally-focused one-man show at Victory Theatre Center in Burbank on September 26. The audience, comprised of audibly appreciative neurodivergent performing and visual artists from local adult day program Spectrum Laboratory (speclabs.org), could not get enough of Gutierrez’s uplifting, autobiographical 450-slide presentation, animation career retrospective, and overall morale boost. In fact, the excitement carried on beyond the proscenium and into voluminous attendee social media posts in the following days.
Decorated animator Gutierrez played headliner in Fighting With Autism, a tailored, exclusive, free-of-charge, one-night seminar. It sprang from a eureka moment of Jason Weissbrod and Garth Herberg, founders/principals of the nearly 10-year-old Spectrum Laboratory. Weissbrod and Herberg became acquainted with Gutierrez via the inaugural Autism in Entertainment Conference (AIE) held at Skirball Center on April 5. Gutierrez’s spring confab keynote speech was such a crowd-pleaser that Weissbrod approached him about a fall encore for Spec Labbers. On Thursday night, Gutierrez exceeded expectations.
Gutierrez dazzled the 70-plus attendees with his can-do spirit and hundreds of corresponding visuals. Memorable images included photos of his humble beginnings as child cosplayer (Pinocchio and Batman were go-to togs) and budding illustrator in Mexico; his nail-biting CalArts interview (complete with on-the-spot Jules Engel tough love directed at his portfolio), admission and matriculation; his early work experience at Disney, Sony and Nickelodeon; his many animation project pitches, passes, greenlights and cancellations; and his family as artistic inspiration throughout.
After Gutierrez took bows, audience questions and selfies, host Weissbrod effused, “Jorge’s presentation was one of the most uplifting workshops we’ve done at Spectrum Laboratory. His guidance was truly inspirational on how to live a happier and more fruitful life. His hilarious stories were filled with keen insight into, not only his amazing mind and career, but how he feels the autistic creative brain can be a superpower to help you tell your own unique story.”
Herberg added, “Jorge inspired us all at Spectrum Laboratory with his heartfelt stories highlighting his amazing perseverance, creativity and desire to fight with (not against) autism to bring his ideas into the world.”
Judi Uttal, Autism in Entertainment founder and chair, was on-site to represent the neurodivergent career training and meaningful employment cause. Under the supervision of film production veteran/AIE Work Group member Paul Hemstreet, Judi’s son Josh gave a repeat performance of sorts. Josh had served on the all-neurodivergent media team that received payment to film the April AIE Conference. He did the same at Fighting With Autism.
“Kudos to our friends at Spectrum Labs for treating their students to the wonderful musings of Jorge Gutierrez. AIE was thrilled to be at the Victory Theatre to support this talented group of entertainers,” said Uttal. “Jorge is so amazing, and his talk showed the value of thinking differently, focusing on the process (not solely the product), channeling life’s successes and failures to fuel growth, and working hard.”
Audience member, podcaster and Autism Resource Project founder Gilda Evans commented, “So grateful to Jorge for sharing his heart and his art with us. They are one in the same — golden! — and help make the world a better place!”
Spectrum Laboratory head of voiceover/instructor Cathy McAuley and her daughter Remington Radcliffe put their heads together and summarized the evening with poetic flair: “After hearing Jorge, it inspired us to create this quote: Talent lies silent without the support of one’s unrelenting noise of tenacity.”
To learn more about Spectrum Laboratory’s public performances, especially the Wednesday, October 30 onstage musical extravaganza Spec-O-Ween, visit speclabs.org/event-details/spec-o-ween-2.
