JAZZ SINGER SHARES LESSONS LEARNED WITH PANELLISTS AT ABILITIES FESTIVAL
TORONTO—“I practiced a lot to get it together. And you know, over the years there was a lot of sweat equity that went into this; it didn’t happen overnight. I want to be singin’ til I’m eighty." (Society for Disability Arts and Culture, 2002)
Award-winning jazz singer Joe Coughlin lives by this philosophy. He can croon with the legendary pop vocalists, and people who have heard him sing often compare him with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
He has released five CDs, and has sung professionally for nearly 30 years. Coughlin, who was born with a disability, has also hosted TV programs Challenge Journal and The Disability Network. He has been involved in issues concerning people with disabilities since the 1970s.
On Saturday, October 29, from 2:15 to 3:30 PM, Coughlin will share with other panellists the lessons he has learned as an independent living advocate and consumer with a disability, as part of the Abilities Festival. The panel will be held at the Atrium in the Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West (Lawrence & Dufferin).
Other panellists include: comedian David Roche, visual artist Sandy Brand, actor Rick Howland and author Jean Little. Toronto journalist and researcher Barbara Turnbull will moderate the discussion. People who have attended David Roche’s writing workshop in the morning will want to hear how Barbara Turnbull and Jean Little have applied their writing talents to two very different professions.
Abilities Festival: A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture is an international artistic and cultural event showcasing excellence and the talent, vision and passion of artists with disabilities.
Workshops and panels are free.
For more information, or to order tickets to Gala performances, please contact the Canadian Abilities Foundation at 416-966-0393 or Fireweed Media Productions at 416-410-2491 x3.
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For: Immediate Release October 11, 2005
PANELLISTS SHARE TIPS ON FORGING A CAREER IN THE FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY AT ABILITIES FESTIVAL
TORONTO—How well are people with disabilities represented in film, television and radio? Where are the opportunities for commissions or employment on air and behind the scenes? What does the future hold?
These are questions Kate Hanley has explored as President of WIFT-T (Women in Film and Television-Toronto). WIFT-T is a leading internationally affiliated industry organization that provides training and advances opportunities for women in screen-based media.
WIFT is also the publisher of Framework, an extensive study on the participation of members of the four target minorities in screen-based media, including one of the first detailed analyses of participation by people with disabilities.
On Sunday, October 30, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, Hanley will join other panellists in Open Sesame! Forging a Career in the Industry. The panel will be held at the Columbus Room in the Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West (Lawrence & Dufferin).
Joining Hanley on the panel will be Silva Basmajian from the National Film Board. Connectus president Richard Cavanagh will talk about findings and recommendations from the recently released Canadian Association of Broadcaster's Report on the Presence, Portrayal and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Television Programming, ACTRA diversity advocate Leesa Levinson, and Judy McAlpine, director at CBC Radio overseeing diversity strategy. CBC journalist and television/radio producer Ing Wong-Ward will moderate the discussion.
Abilities Festival: A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture is an international artistic and cultural event showcasing excellence and the talent, vision and passion of artists with disabilities.
Workshops and panels are free.
For more information, or to order tickets to Gala performances, please contact the Canadian Abilities Foundation at 416-966-0393 or Fireweed Media Productions at 416-410-2491 x3.
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For: Immediate Release October 20, 2005
ARTISTS DISCUSS FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AT ABILITIES FESTIVAL
TORONTO—Is there a proper method we should follow in expressing our art? Should the focus be on integration or on defining our uniqueness as artists with disabilities?
Spirit Synott is one creative individual who has observed the changes and demands associated with maintaining a career in the performing arts. Spirit expresses herself through the art of dance—on wheels. As a dancer, Spirit has performed in solo, duet and ensemble pieces.
Spirit views dancing as a fundamental part of her life, and has performed at various shows throughout North America. She is also a highly acclaimed guest speaker at corporate events and disability arts festivals.
On Sunday, October 30, from 1:45 to 2:45 PM, Spirit will join other panellists in a discussion on Disability Art and Future Directions. The panel will be held at the Atrium in the Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West (Lawrence & Dufferin).
Joining Spirit are jazz singer Joe Coughlin, stage director Michele DeCottinges, writer/performer Mark Brose, producer/actor Ed Wadley, comedian Alan Shain. Catherine Frazee, professor of Disability Studies at Ryerson University, will moderate the discussion.
Abilities Festival: A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture is an international artistic and cultural event showcasing excellence and the talent, vision and passion of artists with disabilities.
Workshops and panels are free.
For more information, or to order tickets to Gala performances, please contact the Canadian Abilities Foundation at 416-966-0393 or Fireweed Media Productions at 416-410-2491 x3.
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For: Immediate Release October 24, 2005
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP SERIES SHOWCASES ARTISTIC PRESENTATIONS OF TALENTS AT ABILITIES FESTIVAL
TORONTO—On Saturday, October 29, people with disabilities will discuss their crafts and talents in three workshops focusing on careers in the arts or media. The workshops will run concurrently at the Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West (Lawrence & Dufferin), from 10:30 AM-12 PM.
The first workshop invites attendees to learn how to tell Stories with Strength. American comedian and storyteller David Roche teaches how to tell personal stories that have universal appeal and transmit meaning and value, in a safe and encouraging environment. This workshop is appropriate for individuals of all levels. Roche hosts this workshop in the Columbus Room.
The second workshop deals with the Electronic “I.” This is ideal for people who want to try reporting the news or perform on camera using real television scripts. Individuals who are more technically inclined can learn how operate a digital camera. Joanne Smith, host of CBC-TV series “Moving On,” provides performance tips on how to land a career in broadcast media. This workshop takes place in the Atrium.
In the third workshop, individuals can witness a play making the transition From Script to Stage, at the Executive Boardroom. This workshop, directed by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, features a dramatic reading of “OOPS!” by poet and festival founder John Feld. This hilarious work-in-progress is presented by experienced actors. Audience members are invited to join in for an informal critique following the performance.
Abilities Festival: A Celebration of Disability Arts and Culture is an international artistic and cultural event showcasing excellence and the talent, vision and passion of artists with disabilities.
Workshops and panels are free.
For more information, or to order tickets to Gala performances, please contact the Canadian Abilities Foundation at 416-966-0393 or Fireweed Media Productions at 416-410-2491 x3.
