DreamStreet Theatre Company is a New York City–based theater company for adults with developmental disabilities, a space where “Dreamers” come together to rehearse, perform, and grow as artists. As the organization continued to grow, DreamStreet partnered with Southpaw to step back and ask: How is this program actually lived, and how can it be strengthened to better meet the needs of Dreamers?

The Problem

Programs are often evaluated on satisfaction, attendance, or immediate outcomes. But for Dreamers, the impact is woven within their larger social landscape. 

It shows up in how Dreamers:

• Carry confidence into spaces outside the program

• Navigate relationships with peers, family, and support systems

• Experience independence, identity, and belonging in their broader lives

The challenge was to design an evaluation that could capture impact beyond the program itself, while understanding how experiences ripple across a participant’s broader ecosystem and identifying which elements of the program drive lasting change.

Our Approach

We designed a human-centered evaluation grounded in deep listening. Through in-person conversations with Dreamers, we created space for participants to reflect on their experiences in their own words: what they love, what challenges them, and what they want more of. The approach was intentionally built to feel supportive and accessible, meeting participants where they are and using tools tailored to their specific needs. 

We focused on understanding:

• What makes DreamStreet feel welcoming, inclusive, and safe

• How the program shapes confidence and self-expression both inside and outside of rehearsals and performances

• The role of relationships (with peers, staff, and support networks) in sustaining impact

The Solution

This evaluation gave the program leaders a clearer understanding of how impact is experienced and where there is room to grow. By intentionally capturing the broader world DreamStreet operates within (across individuals, relationships, and communities) we moved beyond measuring participation to understanding what truly drives lasting change. The organization is now better equipped to evolve in a way that stays true to its mission, while continuing to grow alongside the community it serves.