Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

A Pioneering Creative Hub for Artists and Actors With and Without Disabilities

Company Profile

Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts is a 23-year-old pioneering and progressive non-profit

visual arts studio and theater company that challenges perceptions of disability. In the spirit of radical

inclusion, Interact transforms lives by inspiring artists, actors and audiences with and without

disabilities to explore the full spectrum of human potential.

Founded in 1996 in St. Paul, Minnesota, by visionary Artistic Director, Jeanne Calvit, Interact has been

a longtime international leader bridging the adaptive and mainstream communities. It not only

presents diverse visual art works and original dramatic and musical productions for local and

worldwide patrons with other actors and artists, it compensates its artists, giving them professional

standing and enhanced self-worth.

• Interact is a creative hub that includes more than 125 artists with disabilities, 5,000 audience

members, 250,000 social media and web visitors.

• It is the first of its kind in the world creating full-time, professional-level work in both the visual and

performing arts.

• Interact began with four unpaid positions and has grown to over twenty-five employees.

• It has expanded the meaning of "accessibility" well beyond physical structures for artists with

disabilities, to making them active players in the creative process.

• Interact pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms by including the unique perceptions of

people who have traditionally not been part of the creative class.

• It has produced for the world, potent and powerful art that would otherwise have been lost, by

giving a voice and vision to a marginalized group, allowing theater audiences and art patrons

to rethink their perceptions about disability and the human potential.

• The experience of playing an integrated creative role with other artists and actors -- as part of a

larger community – has a healing effect and improves the well-being of all the participants.

Interact Media Asset Links & Information: • Raleigh Wolpert, Advancement Director, Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 651-

209-3575

• Media Contact: Martin Keller, Media Savant Communications, mkeller@mediasavantcom.com,

612-729-8585 (Land), 612-220-6515 (Cell)

• Website: http://www.interactcenter.org/

• Webstore: https://shop.interactcenter.org/

• Webstore: https://shop.interactcenter.org/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Interact-Center-for-Visual-and-Performing-

Arts/55738167334

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/InteractArts

• Flickr (downloadable images/logos): https://www.flickr.com/photos/138612717@N06/albums

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/InteractCenterArts

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interactcenter/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interact-center

• Newsletter (sign up): http://www.interactcenter.com/join.html

Facts about Interact’s Visual Arts Program

The Interact visual art studio– and the creation of a new worldwide e-commerce portal in 2019 at

https://shop.interactcenter.org/ – is where Interact artists work across disciplines, including painting,

drawing, sculpture, jewelry, fibers, and ceramics.

• Its studio provides more than 500 new works in public

exhibitions each year.

• Interact’s Visual Arts department is made up of 74 artists

and 10 staff, who are also practicing professional artists.

• Artists are trained and supported through the long

process of aesthetic maturation and evolution, and they

are challenged to complete work for Interact's

exhibition season.

• Because artists with disabilities face even greater

economic and space/mobility challenges than most

mainstream artists, Interact provides generous,

accessible studio space and all necessary art supplies

to facilitate painting, drawing, sculpture, clay and

other media.

• It regularly provides a full roster of visual arts

seminars, guided by professional staff as well as guest

artists, in areas such as life drawing, mosaic, art history,

sculpture and multimedia forms.

• Its Gallery season is complemented by special

invitation exhibition events at other art galleries,

museums, and artist-run spaces throughout the

Twin Cities metro area, including the 2019 event,

“Underwater” with Paralympic gold and bronze

medal swimmer, sports correspondent, disability

advocate, and entrepreneur, Mallory

Weggemann.

• Interact’s curatorial process is often collaborative,

with involvement from the Artist Advisory Council —

a group nominated by their peers to advocate for the interests of the larger community.

• It is committed to artistic equity by

paying industry-standard commissions on

sales of artwork to all artists. The rest of

the proceeds go back into supplies and

programming. textile work and other

media.

Visiting Artists from Theater, Dance and Visual Arts Worlds

Aimee Bryant-- Actor

Barbra Berlovitz—Actor, Teaching Artist, Director

Sonya Berlovitz—Costume Designer

Marcus Dilliard—Lighting Designer

Jon Ferguson-- Director

Josh Fox – Award Winning Filmmaker and Theater Director

Lori Greene— Mosaic Artist

Pao Houa Her—Photographer

Seitu Jones – Multi-disciplinary Artist, Community Organizer

Kevin Kling – Storyteller, Actor and Playwright

Chris Larson— Visual Artist

Ifrah Mansour-- Multimedia Artist and Educator

Eriq Nelson--Actor

Chiaki O’Brien—Textile Artist

Marie Olofsdotter—Illustrator and Creative Writer

Wang Ping-- Writer

Wayne Potratz—Sculpture and Metal Artist

Kimberly Richardson-- Actor

Kate Sutton-Johnson – Set and Installation Designer

Wing Young Huie—Photographer

Larry Yazzie – Native American Fancy Dancer

Facts about Interact’s Theater

Changing Lives, Influencing Social Attitudes and

Standing Ovations on Four Continents

Interact Theater produces original, fully staged productions along with

more informal works-in-process that attract a wide, eclectic audience.

• Through the decades the pioneering company has performed on five

continents; Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia --

including Thailand, where the Princess of the country was so

enamored of the model that she was inspired to create a company in

her own country to begin to change perceptions about disability.

• Its original work features ensemble-generated creations and a

developmental process where artists with disabilities fully participate in

conceiving with other theater professionals. Together they work at

developing original material, writing scripts, and incorporating

everyone's ideas through improvisation and other ensemble-building techniques. The result is

maintaining an authentic voice in the creative process – a social change message transformed

through an exceptional artistic experience.

• Participants experience a rigorous schedule of daily professional workshops in acting,

improvisation, vocal work, music, movement and technique.

• Past collaborations with major guest artists include

internationally known storyteller, playwright and

National Public Radio commentator Kevin Kling, plus

well-known theaters such as the Guthrie, Mixed Blood,

Theater Latte Da and others.

• Actor fees are commensurate with other regional

mid-sized theaters.

• Based on the high quality of the work, Interact

Theater members have become an integral part of the

Twin Cities and regional arts community.

About Jeanne Calvit

Artistic/Executive Director, Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Jeanne Calvit began writing and staging performances for artists with

disabilities beginning with workshops in 1980. The following 16 years would

prove to become the testing ground for the world’s first and only visual and

performing arts organization for professional artists with disabilities.

In 1995, after performing a hit show called “Bubba Nielson Endangered

Species” by the newly formed Interact Theater, Jeanne expanded her vision

with the dream of creating a multi-arts center for artists with disabilities.

In 1996, Calvit was a single mother with a leaky roof and no regular

paycheck when she learned of a grant due in a week for $15,000 that would

launch her dream. She wrote it by hand and asked a friend to type it. She

was awarded the grant, chose to forgo a salary—invested initially in infrastructure— and Interact was

born. In August of the same year, PBS produced a documentary about Interact, called “Out on a

Limb,” which ultimately ran for five years.

Within a year and a half of opening its doors, the organization grew to 40 and Calvit realized she was

thinking too small. Today Interact has increased nearly 30 times its original size. But it’s still about

creating art and transformation that touches everyone both on and off stage.

Performances are so inspiring and life-altering that artists of all abilities are eager to share the stage.

This includes world-class musicians, celebrities and actors who say their experience in Interact

productions is the most meaningful and joyful work they’ve ever done.

With No Exposure to Theater as a Child, Calvit Became a Champion of the Arts

Raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with no exposure to

theater, Calvit has long been passionately drawn to

community building and inclusivity through creativity. As

a child, she cooked up projects like neighborhood

circuses or haunted houses, with every kid playing an

acting role. After beginning a degree in psychology, she

left college for what started as her family living in Greece

and resulted in her hitchhiking around Europe where she

remained for nearly a decade. It was a chance meeting

with performers in a Prague café that opened the door

to what would become her life’s work.

“The first time I rehearsed with them,” she says, “I knew this was my path.” Her career continued to

unfold as she performed throughout Europe and the Middle East, studied languages, puppetry, mime

and spent a life-changing two years at the esteemed Jacques LeCoq School for Theatre, Mime and

Movement in Paris.

As she immersed herself in improv and began creating her own work, Calvit moved to Minneapolis to

make a living in the arts. In 1980 a friend suggested doing theatre workshops for people with

disabilities and the following 16 years became a dress rehearsal for what would eventually become

Interact—which opened its doors in 1996.

With hundreds of live, original performances and scores of art

exhibitions to their credit, Interact has now toured five continents

to rave reviews as performers and artists challenge the

paradigm about disability— by giving voice to artists on the

entire spectrum of disabilities. Today, Interact is the first and only

organization of its kind in the world creating full-time,

professional-level work for both visual and performing artists.

Calvit is a sought-after speaker, director and trainer to

organizations throughout the globe who are following her

pioneering path.

She has received numerous awards and honors including:

• 50 over 50 Award

• ARC Legacy Award, created to honor her pioneering work

• McKnight Artist Award

• Minnesota Public Radio Art Hero Award

• Lin Leadership Award

Testimonials – Or – “Work With Your Quirk!”

“When I first joined Interact Theater Company, I had

recently been in a motorcycle accident and lost the use

of my right arm. Interact is a group of performers with

disabilities. As soon as I joined, it felt like home. Over the

years I’ve learned so much from this company. The shows

are often personal stories of triumph or heartbreak, and

every day I laugh to tears. There are posters [throughout

the building that speak to me] that say, ‘Work with your

quirk!’ or ‘Dancing with the scars’ or ‘Hurt ‘til it laughs.’

Going to an Interact Performance makes you feel better

about being a human being.” Kevin Kling, nationally

known storyteller, actor, writer

“Interact Center has been a life changer for many of us that attend here. Before coming to Interact

in 2002 I would end up in the psychiatric ward about once a month -- that went on for many years. I

figured I was probably hospitalized some 50 times. By being at Interact I now find a purpose in my life.

I have not been in the hospital in the past 3 years. There are actors and artists with all types of

disabilities" including down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury and mental illness. There are

other disabilities” too. We have our own theater, studio and gallery. When we sell our artwork, we

receive 50%, the remaining 50% goes back for supplies. Actors also receive pay. We have

professional artists and actors instructing and supporting us every day. The people here at Interact

are unique individuals.” -Mary C., Interact Center Artist

“My daughter has experienced pride in being part of the acting company at Interact and the joy of

having a place to go where she can be in a group and work together. She recognizes how

important Interact has been in helping her live productively despite a serious brain injury.” -- Parent of

Interact Center Artist

“My daughter Naa has Down syndrome. Her first job was cleaning a local mall in the early mornings

before the stores opened - before anyone would see her. I was told she was lucky to have this job,

but I knew that she had more to offer the world. And then I found Interact. My daughter is now

recognized as a talented artist, bowing alongside her colleagues to standing ovations from

audiences who watch her dance in Interact Theater productions.” – Naa Abashie Moreaux, Proud

mother of an Interact performing artist

“We were so impressed with the staff and Interact Theater as well. In the time we spent together, I

truly mean that I felt so attached to everyone... You were all terrific to work with and I know at times it

became frustrating but that is the nature of the systems we work in. It was a most favorable

experience meeting everyone and likewise you have touched the lives of the people here. Who

knows what the future may hold for us!” -- Gina A. Galli, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health

and Developmental Services

“No amount of individual counseling could achieve what the laboratory of Interact provides through

its integrated creative process. Interact has proven that it can change lives for the better.” --Parent

of Interact Center Artist

“The artists who come here, as soon as they see the art, they stop seeing the disability and just focus

on the art and the artistic process. The art is exceptionally interesting and is being created outside of

traditional parameters.” --Curator Welles Emerson

“I love Interact! I had a great time working with artist Eric S.” -- Chris Larson, visiting artist and 2014

Whitney Biennial winner

“I have performed for a number of Interact shows and I always feel excited, welcomed, inspired, and

exhilarated during the entire process. I truly feel like a member of the cast and community. This is not

something I always feel when playing for theatre productions. I can't wait to play for another show!“

-- Julie Johnson, Twin Cities Actress

“I had full time jobs, part time jobs, and volunteered a lot, but I failed at everything. I wanted to do

something with my life, though I didn't know what. I was in a writer’s group and had always loved the

creative arts. My therapist suggested I try Interact Center and thought it might be a good fit for me--

they were right! It has been a tremendous opportunity and given me confidence in myself. I love

being on stage in the limelight and the acting process helps me get out of myself. My anxiety has

subsided, and I have become a confident person. Now that I'm a theater artist, I want to go further--

write and direct!” -- Cayla Pierson, Artist

“Before I came to Interact Center, I worked at a day program where I

assembled pieces of dental equipment. It was really boring and I wasn't

happy. Luckily, my sister, Debb, heard about Interact from a friend and

brought me there. When I walked into Interact, I fell in love with its creative

and energized environment. I had never made art before, but thought I’d

give it a try. One day at Interact, I came across a book on the painter, Marc

Chagall. I felt inspired and created two paintings after him. Everyone who

saw them thought they were wonderful and that made me happy! That was

just the beginning, and now I work in many mediums including painting,

weaving, and mosaics. I feel like a great artist, so I sign my name Lucy

Picasso!” – Lucy Picasso, Interact Artist

Select Theater Reviews

“This absurd, diverting evening, in the best sense of the word, engages every individual and

audience member in the company’s heartfelt Hot Dog Daze.” -- Broadway World Review

“Hot Funky Butt Jazz glistens with numerous sparkling

performances…is masterfully interconnected with

beautiful music and lyrics…a contribution to the

American theater tradition”– Lavendar Magazine

“Hot Funky Butt Jazz is a challenging show in the best

sense of the word…an immersive experience fusing

music, history and the combined energies of more than

50 cast members into a lively, pointed and

heartbreakingly genuine piece.” – Star Tribune

“Hot Funky Butt Jazz is a delight, with bright music, a host of

winning performances, a company that is committed to

having the audience enjoy themselves, and a look into a

moment of sharp transitions in our American culture, when

radical new music emerged to accompany, or perhaps to

egg on, a continuing quest to define an American life that

is inclusive and just.”– Talkin’ Broadway Regional News

“In one of the finest examples of inclusivity in theater,

Interact provides opportunities for artists with

disabilities to share their work, which allows the

audience to see beyond the disability to the artist and

the art that they create.” – What Fools These Mortals

Be – Cherry and Spoon

“In creating the new play Feast of Fools actors see

disability as a creative advantage”- MINNPOST