(Info from press release)Spectrum Laboratory is one of several official Autism in Entertainment educational partners and exhibitors from the April 5, 2024 Conference at Skirball Center
October, 14, 2024, Los Angeles, CA - As it did in late September, Autism in Entertainment official educational partner Spectrum Laboratory continues to redefine Rocktober (the month f.k.a. October and Internet-appointed most productive period of the year) with splashy activations across the City of Angels.
Hot on the heels of its September 26 Jorge Gutierrez-led “Fighting with Autism” animation career seminar at the Burbank, CA Victory Theatre comes a Spec Labs one-two punch on Sunset Boulevard: the HOUSE OF MASKS short film premiere and Spec-ond City improv presentation on the Laugh Factory comedy club mainstage. The event unfolds on Monday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m., and admission is free-of-charge with RSVP to Michael.speclabs@gmail.com. The upcoming show serves as a worthy successor to the inaugural Autism in Entertainment Neurodivergent Comedy Night at the very same locale on September 11. All participating Spec Labs creative artists are on the autism spectrum.
Not one to rest on reputation, Spec Labs next offers its second signature spooky season musicale SPEC-O-WEEN, Wednesday, October 30 at Barnsdall Theatre in Hollywood. It’s a night of four Spec Lab bands, more Spec-ond City performances, and one surprise Jorge Gutierrez original poster and T-shirt design. Corresponding merch sales occur on-site. Tickets are available for purchase here: speclabs.org/event-details/spec-o-ween-2
The Spectrum Laboratory educational formula is a creation of Jason Weissbrod and Garth Herberg. Concocted in 2015, LA-based Spectrum Laboratory celebrates neurodiversity and inclusion in the arts. A.k.a. Spec Labs, this pioneering collective and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization empowers and mentors student artists in acting, film, music, and voiceover. Participants pursue their passions while learning to be successful within the larger entertainment industry. Notable alums include Dani Bowman and Abbey Romeo of Netflix’s Emmy-winning hit series LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM and Domonique Brown of Netflix’s coming-of-age seriocomic serial ATYPICAL.
Established in May 2022 under the auspices of Orange County Asperger’s Support Group, with a grant from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and in partnership with Zavikon, the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup includes educators, professionals, and family members who believe that individuals on the autism spectrum can contribute in entertainment-related fields, including film, television, social media, and game design. The goal of Autism In Entertainment is to drive employment efforts in entertainment-related careers.
The Orange County Asperger’s Support Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for autistic teens, adults, and their families in the community. We achieve this through providing support, organizing social activities, and education. Our goal is to empower the autism community by creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and families can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. We believe that through support and education, individuals with autism can achieve their full potential and become valued members of the community. For more information, visit ocaspergers.org or contact ocasupport@gmail.com. OCASG is the proud parent organization of Autism in Entertainment.
About Jorge R. Guiterrez:
Emmy and Annie award-winning Jorge R. Gutierrez is a Mexican animator, painter, voice actor, writer and director. A CalArts Experimental Animation BFA & MFA graduate, Gutierrez has completed various films, cartoons, and paintings exploring his love affair with Mexican pop and folk culture. Gutierrez was director and co-writer of the Guillermo del Toro-produced animated feature THE BOOK OF LIFE, which earned him a 2014 Golden Globe award nomination. Along with his wife and muse, Sandra Equihua, they created the multiple Emmy Award-winning animated series EL TIGRE: THE ADVENTURES OF MANNY RIVERA for Nickelodeon. Gutierrez most recently created, wrote, and directed the event series MAYA AND THE THREE for Netflix. The project won two Annie awards and four Emmys.
