Artists-in-Residence Site:  Minnesota State Academy for the Blind

400 SE 6th Ave, Faribault (Con. Dist. 2)

Collaborating Teacher: Nicole Zweber

Teaching Artists: Aaron Radatz; Peter Ray, assistant

Art Form: Theater

Project Overview

Students were introduced to physical theatre, a highly visual form of drama in which they will use their bodies as the primary tool for creating characters and telling an original story. They also learned about actors’ tools: body, mind and voice to become strong performers through various theater activities. The will work collaboratively with peers, staff and the artists through creative performance activities and have the opportunity to perform for their peers at the end of the residency.

The students perform their original play “Dear Journal” for friends and family.

“Students showed significant progress in all areas, and were particularly adept at physicality & personification. Many students also showed a strong aptitude for improvisation. The shared leadership element of the play creation process empowered many typically shy students to take on roles they normally wouldn't.” – Aaron Radatz, Artist.

Project Highlights

“One of the best changes came from a high school student who refused to participate in the school spring musical. She had a negative attitude before entering the first day of the residency; she saw it as a get out class pass. After the first day, she was volunteering to participate, offering ideas and showed great creative expression. On the final day/show her part of the program was one of the biggest hits. She reported really enjoying the residency and her experience.” – Nicole Zweber, Teacher.

This program has been made possible in part by the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Minnesota Department of Education and support funds from residency sites.