Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Roseen.
Annie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a Duluth, Minnesota native, always an “artist and a dancer” as I would say as a little girl. I attended college at the College of St. Benedict/ St. John’s University and returned to Duluth after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Gender Studies, and Theatre Art. I had a strong liberal arts education but I wasn’t quite sure how to apply that toward a career straight away. I waitressed for many years while directing and choreographing plays in the area, primarily with children’s theatre programs and in schools. I liked the work a lot but wanted a better fit for my passions. I am a playwright, performing artist, a costumer, make-up artist, a leader and an advocate. I love telling stories and hearing other’s stories- both fiction and non-fiction. I knew I wanted to combine my love of the arts with my heart in social justice. In 2007 I started teaching dance to adults with disabilities through the budding ARTS Program at CHOICE, unlimited. I also joined the BOLD-choice Theatre Company as a cast member. It was a wonderful fit. I had been a PCA during college and had great experiences with folks with developmental disabilities-a population often overlooked in the arts (and in general). My role grew quickly and when the current director, a mentor of mine relocated, I soon became the director of the theatre company and the director of the ARTS Program. I have been in this role for 17 years, but the scope of the work has changed over time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The intersection of disability services and art can be a tricky one to navigate at times. Funding depends on governmental budgets, grant opportunities and fundraising. The arts are not typically covered in traditional streams of funding for human services. Part of my role is convincing the disability service world that the arts are a critical part of living for those that connect with it. It can be the foundation for an identity, a connection, commitment, expression. On the other hand, artists with disabilities have long been underrepresented and not taken seriously in the arts world and the greater community. Being an ally to a community that I do not (yet) belong to is a fascinating and challenging point of view and career path. Finding how to best create and maintain an atmosphere of support without speaking for or making decisions about others is critical to delivering good services and instruction.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The work I do is multi-layered and has grown and adjusted depending on the needs of the community and the opportunities presented. My role as the CHOICE, unlimited ARTS Program Director is primarily to oversee and support professionally lead fine arts instruction to the people we serve and community members. We have four instructors that are experienced and respected in their field of expertise. We offer classes and experiences in Visual Art, Music, Creative Writing, and the performing arts-Dance and Theatre, which I teach. All of our classes are held in the community where other artists and community members create and having regular art shows, poetry readings, musical and dance performances, and one-act plays. Inclusion is a critical part of our mission and outreach. Another significant part of my job is as Director of the BOLD-choice Theatre Company, our award-winning community theatre company that creates original, fully staged productions that seek to align artistic expression with civic engagement. Most of our actors are proudly living with disabilities. We just wrapped our ninth original production, a full-length musical! BOLD-choice is my pride and joy. As ARTS Program Director it is also my responsibility to search and apply for grant opportunities (we have been incredibly fortunate to get funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board and others throughout the years), create and run fundraising events and serve as the community connector with other disability and arts organizations.
A new role I have taken on at my agency is providing healthy relationship and sexuality training to our staff and the people we support. People with disabilities are at a higher rate of exploitation than the general community. A big part of combatting that is educating self-advocates and allies; empowering individuals to make their own decisions about their life and know how to identify safe and unsafe situations. Living a full, rich life should be human right. Each person must have a part in determining what their own life entails. That role of support and educator includes meeting with a number of individuals weekly to discuss and make progress toward what is important to them and their independence- romantic lives, living situations, guardianship, safety, advocating for themselves, following a dream. I have been truly honored to be let into the lives of interesting and complex people, and I work hard to gain their trust to know I am on their side when navigating the small and large things life hands us all.
The tie between art and advocacy is strong one to me-it’s about identity and visibility, both components impact each facet of my career and that combination is an important fit for me to feel I am doing the work I am meant to.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I am not your typical gregarious theatre kid and networking in a formal way can be a challenge for me. But I truly have relied on honest, open conversations and brainstorming to connect me to like-minded people and the people they know- growing my “network”. Finding the people who do work that resonates with you and taking the step to invite them to coffee can lead to authentic opportunities. The work I do relies on being and finding passionate people who trust in the idea that taking risks and making room for everyone pays off in ways that enrich our community and make it much more interesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.choiceunlimited.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldchoicetheatre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldchoicetheatre
- Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
