AIE Directory

Residency Artist - Theatre

John Fleming

422 N. Stafford St.
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Phone: (937) 767-2718
Emails: jfleming7@woh.rr.com
Website: www.YSKP.org

I am a theater artist whose goal is to create original works out of big ideas. Leading up to a workshop or residency, I visit the location and talk to teachers, students and other participants about the culture, energy, challenges and aspirations of that particular place. Out of this information I develop a theater production that uses individual writing, movement, voice and the many elements of theater. A recent residency, which I call KIND NESS, asked the question, "How am I alike and not alike others in my community and the world?" The participants, aged 10 -- 14, began with writing prompts. We then used movement and video to tell a story of group dynamics, tolerance and turning points. I was impressed by the articulation skills of these emerging identities and their creativity in responding to multiple modes of expression. Process oriented residencies are a kinetic, morphing, journey that build self-confidence and ownership on the part of the participants. The end result is always exciting -- and always greater then what was originally envisioned.

The realms of art experience and life experience intersect to provide breadth and depth in the development of an individual. My career as an educator has encompassed youth on the elementary, middle, high school and college level. Some are interested in pursuing a career in the arts; for a far greater number, an arts learning experience will provide practical "performance" tools including grace, confidence, collaborative problem solving and the ability to articulate complex ideas that will serve them in a broad spectrum of development on their journey to adulthood. I believe that learners of all ages and backgrounds share some commonalities--a thirst for respect, a desire to be successful, and a propensity to be deeply enthralled within a creative process.

I am the Founder and Artistic Director of the YS Kids Playhouse, a theater by and for youth in Yellow Springs, Ohio. I am also an Instructor in Drama and director at Central State University. Over 30 years ago I began my career in mime, the art of silence. Since then my work has encompassed all aspects of theater "from page to stage". In 2002 I received an MA in Conflict Resolution from Antioch University. In 2006, I was invited to train as a Kennedy Center/Ohio Partners in Education teaching artist. As a VSA Ohio Teaching Artist I have empowered people with disabilities, creatively and inclusively, through the arts. As an Ohio Arts Council Teaching Artist I have lead workshops for teachers, performing arts professionals, business leaders and at-risk populations.