Flutter Productions

FAIN: ZR-256713-18

Black Hills Workshop (Rapid City, SD 57702-0627)
Heather Pickering (Project Director: February 2017 to present)

Performances and facilitated discussions that probe the history and culture of people with disabilities through the disciplinary lens of disability studies.

Black Hills Works (BHW) is establishing the national award-winning Flutter Productions as an ongoing program. Mission: Creating opportunities for all performers to soar, challenging the perception of people with disabilities; while creating a new creative community in which performers with and without disabilities come together to create works that celebrate the human spirit. We create an original narrative, for performers of all ages and abilities, based in theater and contemporary dance. Pyroductions are adjusted and tailored to highlight the talents of our performers. Following the performances, we plan to conduct facilitated conversations that are led by the Center for Disabilities, University of South Dakota, with members of the audience as well as participants with and without disabilities and volunteers. These conversations will explore the contributions, experiences, history, and culture of people with disabilities and will identify how disability is represented in society.

Media Coverage

Flutter Productions Receives $150,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Heather Janssen
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox News
Date: 8/4/2017
Abstract: Story:Flutter Productions is getting a big helping hand in their mission of inclusion among all people, with or without disabilities. For nearly a decade, Flutter Productions has called Rapid City home - leaving much of the community inspired, and giving people of all abilities the chance to shine. Director of Flutter Productions, Heather Pickering says, "They don't necessarily have a positive idea or picture of themselves in their head, because they aren't seen as mainstream. They aren't seen as something that is 'a normal part of life.'" Now with a little help from the National Endowment for the Humanities, they're working to grow even further. The NEH has awarded a $150,000 challenge grant to the Black Hills Works associated company, to be distributed over the next three years.Flutter must match the $150,000 over that time. Pickering says, "It was really exciting to us that they saw a value in the work that's being done with individuals with disabilities in the arts."
URL: http://https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Flutter-Productions-receives-150000-grant-from-National-Endowment-for-the-Humanities-438620813.html

Local author's book hopes to raise awareness for people of diversabilities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox News
Date: 4/2/2018
Abstract: Television interview that profiled Mr. Janis and his hopes for his book being released in April of 2018 entitled, "The Chair Is Not Me." To be remembered, leave a positive impact. That's the goal of many. Heather Pickering says, ' He has a small group of people, small but mighty group of people that are really excited to see him share his abilities with a wider audience.' James Janis is one of those people. JJ says, ' it was painstaking work, but I wouldn't change it for anything.' His friends and family call him JJ, through his writing he hopes to never be forgotten. JJ says, ' No No No the chair is not me, Yes Yes Yes, I long to be free.' Powerful words, from a stronger man. And the purpose for his book? JJ says,' Its time to change people's perceptions of people with diversabilites.' JJ's purpose is to eliminate the first impression many get when they first see him. JJ says, ' The chair is only a vehicle I use to get around. It doesn't define me, it doesn't say who I am.' ...
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Local-authors-book-hopes-to-raise-awareness-for-people-of-diversabilities-478586103.html

Local author has book released to good sized crowd (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox
Date: 4/20/2018
Abstract: In the beginning of April we introduced you to local author James Janis as he got ready for the release of his book "The Chair is not me" and on April 20th it was the time for the book reveal, It was a standing room only in the cafe of Books A Million. The purpose of the book is to raise awareness about people who live with diverse abilities. JJ, who himself is in a wheelchair had help with the book from some local artists from the Suzie Cappa Art Center. The book has touched many in the community who have known JJ since the beginning and serves as a learning experience for all...Over 50 copies of the book were sold on the first night. If you are interested in picking up a copy they will be available at the Suzie Cappa Art Center in downtown Rapid City.
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Local-author-has-book-released-to-good-sized-crowd-480435373.html

James "JJ" Janis want(s) people to see beyond the chair (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Date: 5/2/2018
Abstract: James "JJ" Janis wants people with disabilities to come out into the open and talk about them, but he also wants people to see beyond the mechanized wheelchair that helps him get around. The Chair is Not Me, is the title of a book of poems and prose he's just published, which he hopes will spark a dialogue between diversely abled communities. "My primary purpose," says Janis, "is to foster an understanding between the diverse ability community and those that don't have a disability. It's getting better but we need to do more work and by we, I'm talking all of us." Janis was born with cerebral palsy and grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation and in Rapid City. In his poem "My First Taste of Freedom," he calls that as a child, before he had a wheelchair, he sometimes got around in a little red wagon, "powered by my cousins's legs." "We didn't go very fast or far if people didn't eat their morning eggs." Disabled people's voices are a rare in the media landscape, and consequently...
URL: https://www.sdpb.org/blogs/arts-and-culture/james-jj-janis-want-people-to-see-beyond-the-chair/

Advocates Poem by JJ (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: A Team USA
Date: 3/6/2018
Abstract: James Janis (JJ) recently signed up to become a self-advocate, to be a voice for the voiceless members of the diverse abilities community. He was inspired to write this poem to remind people the best way to advocate for themselves and others. JJ is working on a book of poetry, entitled: Reflections of a Flag-Bearer, which is scheduled to be released in April of 2018 through Flutter Productions and the Suzie Cappa Art Center, members of the Black Hills Works Family.
URL: https://ateamusa.net/2018/03/06/advocates-poem-by-new-a-team-wi-member/

Author JJ Redefines People with Diverse Abilities (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: KNVN News Center 1
Date: 6/15/2018
Abstract: Faces in the Crowd: JJ Faces in the Crowd is a community spotlight, profiling people who are doing interesting and/or meaningful things in the Black Hills Area. This spotlight covered Mr. Janis and his book, as well as his hopes for the impact of his book.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VKdnIWvO00

Flutter Productions evaluation shows impact of arts (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Journal Staff
Publication: Rapid City Journal
Date: 12/26/2020
Abstract: Flutter Productions, part of Black Hills Works, has completed a first-of-its-kind all-ability arts evaluation. The three-year evaluation was conducted in partnership with the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and Center for Disabilities. The evaluation looked at the impact of arts involving people with disabilities on the individuals themselves, and on community members, audience members, volunteers and staff. The evaluation was largely made possible by a 2017 Building Humanities Communities Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. Flutter Productions was one of 29 projects in 16 states awarded this grant, and the only organization in South Dakota to receive it. Flutter’s grant award was considered to be a milestone for the NEH, bringing together arts and disability. Its conclusions will help pave the way for future all-ability arts organizations...
URL: https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/flutter-productions-evaluation-shows-impact-of-arts/article_dffcc883-a8a5-53f9-8421-0e125c1540c1.html

South Dakota Public Broadcasting: Dakota Life: I'm Going to Fool You (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Michael Zimny
Publication: South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Date: 5/2/2018
Abstract: In the Summer of 2017 Flutter Productions filmed a feature segment with South Dakota Public Broadcasting surrounding their summer production entitled, CHROMA. The footage was not released or broadcast until the Spring of 2018 as segment in part of their television series, Dakota Life.
URL: https://www.facebook.com/SoDakPB/videos/10156356038793874/

Black Hills Works gala honors local author, three others (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tanya Manus
Publication: Rapid City Journal
Date: 10/18/2018
Abstract: A poet, an artist, an advocate and a woman who loves her independent life—each challenging the notion of what living with disability means—will be honored Nov. 3 at the 60th annual Black Hills Works Foundation Gala & Recognition. James "JJ" Janis, Ramona Spotted Eagle, Stefanie Krick and Bettie Jo Bsharah will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award. James "JJ" Janis, 64, spent two years writing a book of poetry, "The Chair Is Not Me." It was published earlier this year. Janis, who has cerebral palsy,composed the book's 18 poems that reflect his ideas about being a person with diverse abilities."I may be in (the chair), but it's not all that I am. I've got to think I'm more than the thing I sit in," Janis said.No matter what limitations his body might present, poetry has been an outlet for Janis to be creative, to advocate and sometimes to honor others by writing poems for special occasions in their lives..
URL: https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/black-hills-works-gala-honors-local-author-three-others/article_2d6fbbeb-52ec-5a21-bcff-a851604d42d1.html

USF hosts history-makeing performance of ABLE: The Disability Chronicles (Media Coverage)
Author(s): None Listed
Publication: University of Sioux Falls
Date: 10/19/2018
Abstract: On Saturday, October 20th the University of Sioux Falls hosts a history-making performance of ABLE: The Disability Chronicles presented by Flutter Productions. The show will be the first production staged in South Dakota that has been written and performed in part by individuals with disabilities and those who support them. “Flutter Productions exists to provide performance opportunities to people of all abilities,” said Joe Obermueller, assistant professor of theatre at USF. “Their mission aligns with the goals of USF’s theatre department in that we always seek ways to bring theatre to all people, especially those who may not ever step foot in our building or those who others perceive could never participate in live performance.” The show features 12 vignettes consisting of spoken word and dance reflecting diverse abilities and disability culture. ABLE is performed by an all-ability cast of 12 people. Among other highlights, the evening will feature a real-life quartet of parents...
URL: https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/news-and-events/usf-news-feed/usf-hosts-history-making-performance-of-able-the-disability-chronicles

Costume design in full swing for Fashion-ABLE show (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox
Date: 1/14/2019
Abstract: Costume designers were hard at work in preparation for their upcoming Flutter Productions show, Fashion-ABLE. Fashion- ABLE allows those with diverse-abilities to design their own runway costumes and community volunteers to help bring their visions to life. The show made it's debut on the red carpet in 2017 at the Suzie Cappa Art center and was a huge success, so popular, the event is being held at Jolly Lane who generously donated space that will double the number of people who can attend. Giving community members the chance to see the perspective from another's eye is something that makes fashion-ABLE so unique. 'I think its really interesting to have that opportunity to see how a lot of different people see the world. And whenever you give anybody who has been part of a historically disenfranchised group a chance to share their voice that is a really powerful moment.' says Heather Pickering The show will be held on February 16th at 7:30 tickets are 7 dollars a piece and can only
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Costume-design-in-full-swing-for-Fashion-ABLE-show-504353461.html

Fashion & Fizz (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Ellen Wells, Editor
Publication: Greenprofit.com
Date: 3/8/2019
Abstract: Fashion & Fizz Several weeks ago, I told you about the Birds & Blooms event that Jolly Lane Greenhouse held at their Rapid City, South Dakota, facility. They followed that successful January event with a February 16 fashion show they hosted on behalf of Black Hills Works, an organization that helps folks living with disabilities. They had a small window of time before that particular greenhouse would be filled with spring production, so they set up a catwalk space and 300 chairs, and despite a cold, windy and snowy day, it was standing room only when the event kicked off. Fifteen of Black Hills Works' clients participated in the fashion show by creating their fashion-forward design and strutting their stuff down the catwalk. A local dance studio also participated that evening. “The program was a huge success and a lot of fun for all involved,” wrote Tim Sime in an email. “The audience was amazed.” What could make the fashion show even better? Wine and beer! Tim had a 125-year-old...
URL: https://www.greenprofit.com/Newsletters/View/?article=2796&highlight=fashion+and+fizz

Local author with diverse-abilities honored at a reception (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeff Voss
Publication: KEVN Black Hills Fox
Date: 6/21/2019
Abstract: The Chair is Not Me" is a book locally authored by James Janis, better known by his friends as JJ. Janis grew up between here and Pine Ridge. To honor JJ and his book, a reception was held in his honor. JJ was born with cerebral palsy and sever other conditions at birth. He wasn't expected to live *12 hours* but *6 decades* later, at age 60, JJ has a published book. The book encourages people to look past those with diverse abilities and meet the person. The reception also featured choreographed routines to the poems JJ had written for his book. With one book to his name already, Janis has no plans on stopping. "The more people I can reach, the better off everybody will be." said James Janis. JJ said he wouldn't change the past year and a half since his book was published for anything in the world. The man who has inspired many in the Black Hills with his book, says he is humbled by the opportunity that many take for granted. "I'm just thankful for the chance to be a contributing...
URL: https://www.blackhillsfox.com/content/news/Local-author-with-diverse-abilities-honored-at-a-reception-511660181.html?fbclid=IwAR020AEeJnrXqvllFpwmjey4gGJXZKsqzrs9L-w7FIPJeJGQ254H7iGJcyc

Associated Products

Journeys (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Journeys
Writer: "JJ," James Janis
Writer: Christy Nielsen
Writer: Ordean Stevenson
Writer: Abbigayle Wells
Writer: Assisted by Heather Pickering
Writer: Andrew Grace, Composer
Writer: Sarah Covington, Choreographer
Director: Heather Pickering
Producer: Flutter Productions
Abstract: Journeys, a theatrical production for the stage, was a collection of six independent vignettes that illustrated fictional and non-fictional journeys that individuals with disabilities have taken, or have dreamed of taking. All six journeys spanned fifty years and took places in various train, plane, and bus stations and were staged in an ambiguous passenger terminal by an all-ability cast, individuals with and without disabilities, of 23. These stories were told through both movement, and dialogue and was @45 minutes in length. This production was the second production produced by Flutter Productions written in part by individuals with disabilities, but was the first to contain dialogue. This production was the result of a weekly play writing class at Flutter Productions. The intent was to entertain and shed light on disability culture and history. Highlights included one man's journey in be turned over to an institution in the 1940s at the age of two years old, and another man's journey to a workshop setting in a different state to gain valuable life skills to become more self sufficient and independent in the 1980s. The evening also included one woman's journey from the contained classroom, to an inclusive art classroom in her high school and the positive impact she still feels decades later. This production hosted a talk back with the audience following the performances, and a facilitated talk back with the cast about the overall process.
Year: 2017
Access Model: Ticketed Event
Format: DVD
Format: Digital File

The Chair Is Not Me (Book)
Title: The Chair Is Not Me
Author: "JJ," James Janis
Abstract: "The Chair Is Not Me," by "JJ," James Janis is a collection of twenty one poems written to inspire people to think about, learn from, and connect to people who are diversely abled. Eleven of the poems have been illustrated by a cadre of diversely abled artists. Mr Janis realized the need to speak and teach about disabilities following an experience at a grocery store in the 1980s. A little boy shopping with his mother saw JJ and asked, "How come that man can't walk?" When his mother replied, "Be quiet. Don't bother him," JJ approached them and offered to explain his disability. he reminded the mother, "If they don't ask, they won't learn." He wanted the child to think it was okay to talk to someone with a disability. He also wants families that have children with disabilities to encourage children to find their voices, love themselves, and speak up and out about their disabilities. James Janis, or as he is known by his friends, JJ, grew up between the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and Rapid City in South Dakota. Born with cerebral palsy complicated with several other conditions, he was only expected to live for 12 hours, but 60 years later he is still here! Previously his work was published in a collection of poems: "Ashes and Chuckles," in 1981. Several of his poems have been featured in world premier productions by Flutter Productions. Writing is one of the things that sets JJ free from his disabilities and allows him to escape. in addition to writing, he has always been interested in the office of the President of the United States because his grandmother, Ellen Janis, worked on JFK's campaign to feed people. Following in her footsteps, he recently became one of the newest members off the A-Team Black Hills, which advocates for the rights of the disabled. In his spare time he leads an Elvis fan club. He can be found on Twitter and Facebook under JJ, James Janis, Writer. His book was also turned into a touring art show following publication.
Year: 2018
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw8LG25Bj4g
Primary URL Description: An informal video journal was kept during the writing and publishing process. Here is a clip of "JJ," James Janis receiving the very first copy of his book. This video is currently posted on the Flutter Productions channel on YouTube. YouTube is a website that allows professionals, amateurs, and organizations to create, upload and view videos.
Secondary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX5Qx46JrZo
Secondary URL Description: An informal video journal was kept during the writing and publishing process. Here is a collection of some clips from the informal video journal of "JJ," James Janis talking about his book, the illustrators, and the impact that the illustrators had on him during the process. This informal video also contains clips of several of the illustrators working on the pieces in the book. This video is currently posted on the Flutter Productions channel on YouTube. YouTube is a website that allows professionals, amateurs, and organizations to create, upload and view videos.
Access Model: Purchase
Publisher: Flutter Productions
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780578203690
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

Zenith (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Zenith
Writer: Heather Pickering, Writer
Writer: Andrew Grace, Composer
Writer: Sara Olivier, Choreographer
Director: Heather Pickering
Producer: Flutter Productions
Abstract: Zenith was an all-ability (individuals with and without disabilities) dance theatre production performed by a cast of 31 individuals on June 29 & 30, 2018 in the Historic Theater at the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City. This production hosted a talk back with the audience following the performances, and a facilitated talk back with the cast about the overall process. The story centered on Mira, the daughter of a famous astronomer, who yearns to study the stars in a time where females are not permitted in higher studies. Guided by the fates, she sneaks into her father's laboratory at night to study the stars nonetheless. She discovers the first black hole. She then disguises herself to present her finding to the male scholars who initially applaud the finding, but upon discovering that she is a woman, reject it. Her father finds a different way to present her finding, and brings the male scholars around to listening to her. She is then permitted into the lecture hall and accepted as a teacher making history as the first woman to do so.
Year: 2018
Access Model: Ticket
Format: DVD
Format: Other

Able: The Disability Chronicles - Touring Production (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Able: The Disability Chronicles - Touring Production
Writer: Rhonda Grant
Writer: "JJ," James Janis
Writer: Heather Morris
Writer: Anne Marie Wilson
Writer: Assisted by Heather Pickering
Director: Heather Pickering
Producer: Flutter Productions
Abstract: ABLE: The Disability Chronicles was a series of contemporary dance and spoke word vignettes written by individuals with disabilities and those that support them about disabilities and disability culture. The production was originally produced in 2016, and in 2018 it was restructured to suit a smaller cast that could tour throughout the state of South Dakota. In 2016 it was the first production in the state of South Dakota to be written and performed in part by individuals with disabilities. This production hosted a talk back with the audience following the performances, and a facilitated talk back with the cast about the overall process. Funding to make touring possible was provided in part by a Touring Artist Grant from the South Dakota Arts Council. The touring version of this production featured an all-ability (individuals with and without disabilities) cast of twelve individuals that performed twelve pieces. The production contained the following themes: The lasting impacts and effects of labeling, Necessary devices, processes, and medications that assist, but also unintentionally diminish, Society's perception of diversely-abled individuals, The acceptance and normalization of individuals with disabilities, Communication and the importance of one-on-one interactions, Down syndrome, The experience of one person with autism, Overcoming challenges in pursuit of a goal, and The importance of opening doors in the world for others. The production was first performed at the University of Sioux Falls, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to an audience of students studying to become future educators, social workers, performing arts artists, lawyers, and psychologists. The second performance was performed for the state disability conference hosted by the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and Center for Disabilities.
Year: 2018
Access Model: Tickets
Format: Other

FashionABLE 2019 (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: FashionABLE 2019
Writer: Manika Boheman-gehl
Writer: Brandon Schlaht
Writer: Shawn Stratton
Writer: Alyssa Flannery
Writer: Tommy Tamayo
Writer: Tyler Brink
Writer: Ordean Stevenson
Writer: Aaron Flack
Writer: Rebecca Graham
Writer: Jill Holien
Writer: Chloe Baldwin
Writer: Zackery Wilson
Writer: Angel Sumrall
Writer: Josh Dvorak
Writer: Rachel Grant
Director: Heather Pickering
Producer: Flutter Productions
Abstract: Fifteen designers with diverse abilities were partnered one-on-one with a volunteer from the community to bring their original fashion design to fruition. The teams worked together once a week for six weeks which culminated in a fashion show for the public. Flutter Productions partnered with Jolly Lane Greenhouse, who hosted the fashion show in their Rose House. In addition to the partnership with Jolly Lane Greenhouse we partnered with Prima School of Dancing who selected several pieces to create introductory dances to on the runway. This production hosted a facilitated talk back with the designers and volunteers about the overall process.
Year: 2019
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8a77ed3wgo
Primary URL Description: The 2019 FashionABLE highlights were posted following the event to view, free of charge on YouTube. YouTube is a website that allows professionals and amateurs alike the ability to create, upload, and view videos.
Access Model: Ticketed Event
Format: DVD
Format: Web
Format: Other

The Chair Is Not Me Touring Art Show (Exhibition)
Title: The Chair Is Not Me Touring Art Show
Curator: Heather Pickering
Abstract: The Chair is Not Me art show springs from is a collection of poems, written by, “JJ,” James Janis, in partnership with Flutter Productions, to inspire people to think about, learn from, and connect to people who are diversely abled. JJ realized the need to speak and teach about disabilities following an experience at a grocery store in the 1980s. A little boy shopping with his mother saw JJ and asked, “How come that man can’t walk?” When his mother replied, “Be quiet. Don’t bother him,” JJ approached them and offered to explain his disability. He reminded the mother, “If they don’t ask, they won’t learn.” He wanted the child to think it was okay to talk to someone with a disability. He also wants families that have children with disabilities to encourage children to find their voices, love themselves, and speak up and out about their disabilities.The book features 21 poems and 11 illustrations, and was illustrated by a cadre of artists of diverse abilities and cultures, including: Brian Bertsch, Lee Fire Cloud, Aaron Flack, Barbara Heagy, Darleen Jealous of Him, Hoksila Long, Christy Nielsen, Sapphire Simmons, Shawn Stratton, and John Summers. The show features 11 illustrations and poems from the book. The show is free to the general public.The touring art show has been made possible by a Building Humanities Communities Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and The Perfect Hanging Gallery in Rapid City, SD.James Janis, or as he is known by his friends, JJ, grew up between the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and Rapid City in South Dakota. Born with cerebral palsy complicated with several other conditions, he was only expected to live for 12 hours, but 60 years later he is still here! The art show hosted a talk back with the viewers at the opening receptions, and a facilitated talk back with the writer about the overall process. A video journal was created as he wrote the book.
Year: 2019
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0oWRfZxCKs
Primary URL Description: This video was created in 2020 showing clips from the writing process, illustration process, and the first three art shows in 2018 and 2020. This video is currently posted on YouTube. YouTube is a website that allows professionals, amateurs, and organizations to create, post, and view videos on the internet.

CoRPoREAL (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: CoRPoREAL
Writer: Heather Pickering, Writer
Writer: Andrew Grace, Composer
Writer: Ordean Stevenson, Writer
Director: Heather Pickering
Producer: Flutter Productions
Abstract: CoRPoREAL was an original all-ability (individuals with and without disabilities) dance theatre production based in contemporary dance. Performed by a cast of 30 individuals in the Studio Theater at the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City on June 27, 28 and 29, 2019. The production was written in part by the Flutter Productions Play Writing class with Heather Pickering. A facilitated conversation was held with the cast and crew following this production. The production, featuring original music composed by Andrew Grace, and choreography by Sara Olivier, explored the depths of connectivity to everything inside our body, and how a physical sickness can also be caused by more than a virus or bacteria. No one thing operates independently –everything is connected to, or reliant upon, something else, thus the strings you will see throughout our production this evening. One thing that we discovered is the importance of human touch and the physical and mental benefits that we receive every time we connect with another person through touch, a handshake, or a welcomed hug. Through our explorations, ideas, personal life experiences, and a few poems, CoRPoREAL was born. CoRPoREAL also hosted two designers with disabilities who designed select costumes that reflected and extended their artistic pursuits as visual artists at the Suzie Cappa Art Center.
Year: 2019
Access Model: Ticketed Event
Format: DVD
Format: Other

Evaluation on the Impact of All-Ability Performing Arts on a Community (Report)
Title: Evaluation on the Impact of All-Ability Performing Arts on a Community
Author: John R. Johnson, Ph.D Research and Development Director, USD
Author: Heather Pickering, Artistic Director, Flutter Productions
Author: Dr. Jake Cummings
Author: Kristin Berg
Author: Natalia Davila
Author: Dr. Jonathon A MeDrano
Author: Wendy Parent-Johnson, Ph.D, CRC, CESP
Abstract: In collaboration with the University of South Dakota Center for Disabilities (CFD),Black Hills Works and specifically, Flutter Productions initiated an evaluation plan using the principles of empowerment evaluation. This report contains summaries of activities which Flutter Productions has invested in and executed throughout the great Rapid City and Sioux Falls areas. Attachments to this report include data results gathered for this project.The overarching mission of Flutter Productions and the NEH project offer opportunities for people with disabilities to be fully included in community plays with performers who do not have a disability. These performances include theatre, dance poetry readings, and other contemporary performing arts productions; all of which all of which provide participants with opportunities to exercise their artistic talents.Facilitated conversations are conversations that allowed the facilitator to promote and probe respondents for information about the experiences as participants in Flutter Productions. The results of these conversations were revealing about the challenges, struggles, accomplishments and connections that all participants experienced. Conversations were recorded by both Center for Disabilities staff and Ms. Heather Pickering. The conversations were transcribed and emergent themes were identified by Center for Disabilities evaluation staff. While the transcribed data included numerous comments from persons with and without disabilities in different roles, we identified seven themes that that facilitated conversation participants frequently We organized them in the following thematic categories1.Finding a Voice 2.Changing Expectations3.Inclusive Cast 4.Friendship & Belonging 5.“It's Ok to be Different...and It’s Definitely OK to Not Fit In” 6.It’s About Community Leaders 7. The Creativity of Adapting to the Performer
Date: 04/16/2020
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/HTJS0rxxHik
Primary URL Description: YouTube is a website that allows professionals, organizations, and amateurs the opportunity to create, upload, and view videos. This link is an Unlisted Link, only those who have the link can view it, and it is not intended for general public viewing. This video is just a small sampling of many interviews and facilitated conversations conducted by Flutter Productions with cast members, staff, and audience members from 2017 - 2020. The clips in this video reflect a portion of the program evaluation conducted from a three year evaluation of the all-ability dance theatre program conducted by the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and Center for Disabilities, and Flutter Productions, funded in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The evaluation explores the effects and benefits of all-ability arts with individuals with disabilities as the center of a nexus that includes: community members, audience members, volunteers, and staff.
Access Model: Open Access
ISBN: 000000000000

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