Performers in the Flutter Productions work Corporeal. Photo courtesy Flutter Productions.
Flutter Productions, a division of Black Hills Works, is an all-ability performing arts company based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Thanks to an NEH grant, Flutter Productions and their partners were able to show how cultural programming that incorporates individuals with and without disabilities had positive impacts on all who participated and attended. They were also able to show the importance of providing inclusive cultural programming to people with disabilities.
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FashionABLE, an all-ability fashion show, featured clothes designed and made by individuals with disabilities. Photo courtesy Flutter Productions.
In 2017, Flutter Productions partnered with the University of South Dakota’s Center for Disabilities to develop a series of all-ability performances and facilitated discussions that probed the history and culture of people with disabilities. All of the performances–which included theatrical productions, a fashion show, and a poetry collection and accompanying art show–were original productions, and many were created at least in part by people with disabilities. In 2018, ABLE: The Disability Chronicles–a production originally developed in 2016–was adapted to tour throughout South Dakota. The production performed at the University of Sioux Falls and at the 2018 state disability conference. Many performances were filmed and hosted online for limited engagements through South Dakota Public Broadcasting, increasing their accessibility. On their opening nights, each theatrical performance was followed by a talk-back between the cast and audience members about the production process. Organizers also interviewed cast members about their experiences participating in the project.
A short video from South Dakota Public Broadcast featuring Flutter Productions.
Through the talk-backs and cast interviews, organizers documented the profound impacts of the programs on individuals with disabilities as well as non-disabled staff, volunteers, audience, and cast members. These impacts included cast members finding their voices as a result of the program; changing expectations of the disability community; and discovering the creativity inherent to adapting to performers’ abilities, among other things. Overall, the grant helped Flutter Productions and their partners demonstrate the importance of creating and funding inclusive cultural programming.
