O’Kelley Legends: 2e Behind the Scenes

“O’Kelley Legends: 2e Behind the Scenes” follows a 13-year-old Jordan O’Kelley, as he adapts his own book into a monologue show fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit organization SENG, which supports the emotional needs of the gifted. Four years earlier, Jordan, who is gifted and autistic, had written a book of humorous short stories, called “O’Kelley Legendary Legends of Legend, to get out of doing homework in 4th grade.

Many of the cast in the show are 2e, or twice exceptional— gifted with disabilities or learning differences. The film chronicles the process of creating a neurodiverse-friendly theater experience— from casting, through rewriting, rehearsals, and finally the performance.

With a home movie feel, the documentary shows how important it is for “2e” individuals to have mentors and family supports. The O’Kelley Lab (aka Jordan’s family) makes use of a variety of supports such as “Mime as Therapy” and recruiting industry mentors in acting, directing, casting, and producing to work with the cast throughout the process, allowing the students to find their strengths and create a successful show.

The documentary runs 67 minutes, and is intended to screen at film festivals and at special needs and gifted conferences.