115 Artists with Disabilities to Showcase Talent at 10th Annual BAC Event
“Together We Shine,” is the theme of the upcoming 10th Annual Performing Arts Showcase being put on through partnerships with BAC (the former Brevard Achievement Center) and Brevard County public and private schools. And there will be plenty of shining as 115 students and adults with disabilities showcase their talents in dance, music, and theater.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. on the main stage of the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne and is a culmination of an eight-week performance-based art program taught by local professional teaching artists across eight schools and BAC.
“What excites me most about working with these students is the opportunity to break down preconceived notions regarding persons with disabilities and to share with our community the extraordinary vision and creativity of these artists,” said visiting teaching artist Joan Taddie.
Participating programs include:
- Eau Gallie High School
- Bayside High School
- Kennedy Middle School
- Johnson Middle School
- No Limits Academy
- Rockledge High
- Merritt Island High
Teaching artists:
- Alicia Robin of Dance Variations
- Dallas Clark of DrumLuv Dance Center
- Joan Taddie
- Chris Kahl
- Kam McCarthy
- Jinn Kahn
- Phoebe Parker
“It’s been a privilege to showcase artists with disabilities and the organizations that support their artistic talents and abilities for the past 10 years,” said Lee Sorensen, arts program manager for BAC. “The Arts play an important role for individuals with disabilities. With emotional, physical, cognitive and social benefits, the creative process of art-making has a positive and helpful impact on their lives. When other types of communication may be challenging, art can facilitate the expression of thoughts and feelings in such a powerful manner.”
Showcase sponsors are critical to the program’s success. They include Southern Janitor Supply, The Viera Company, Lotane & Associates, P.A., Sky Advertising, Everything Brevard and the Florida Division of Arts and Culture.
All performances will be accompanied by American Sign Language (ASL). Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged. For reservation and sponsorship information, visit: bacemploy.com/performing-arts-showcase/.
For those unable to attend, but who still wish to support BAC’s arts programming, visit: bacemploy.com/give-online-form/ for further details.
About BAC
BAC is a social enterprise dedicated to building communities that support members of unique abilities in growing their own personal success. BAC’s empowerment programs provide life enrichment opportunities to those with significant disabilities and help more than 1,200 people find meaningful purpose in their lives.
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