PROJECTS
ARTFUL CONVERSATIONS
We create Artful Conversations and Creative Presentations as a creative way to engage the public in a heart to heart dialogue about social/emotional justice issues. We challenge the public to think critically about what they unconsciously think about those that are different than them. We use the arts such as theatre, spoken word poetry and dance as a way to start conversations. We tour to public/private schools, juvenile detention centers, correction facilities, institutions and professional conferences.
It's okay to change your mind about the way you think!
Live performances are postponed till the end of COVID-19
LEARNING CURVE
All touring projects to public schools are postponed till the end of COVID-19. We are currently creating online events to help you during this time.
LEARNING CURVE
WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY JODIE KNOWLES
DIRECTED BY NIKKI VISEL
NOW AVAILABLE
ON
ZOOM!
NOW AVAILABLE
ONLINE!
LEARNING CURVE is a powerful one-person play that tells the true story of Jodie Knowles as a kid growing up in Nashville Tennessee that was unjustly diagnosed with a Learning Disability and put into Special Education for 9 years segregated from peers and endured bullying and student shaming. She eventually moved to Seattle Wa where she was quickly put into an Arts Based Program where she thrived. Her story is set in1981 to 1998 during the era of war on drugs and the rampage of pharmaceutical drug companies entering our school system. Knowles highlights Special Education as the bed rock that fuels the school to prison pipeline as she recalls witnessing the loss of her friends and peers to futile suspensions and three strikes you're out rule. Learning Curve bravely explores the school-to-prison pipeline, over-diagnosing, medicating, isolation, segregation and expulsion of students while breaking the silence of shame and stigma around these vital issues. Knowles uses spoken word poetry, dance and traditional story telling to open your mind to the power of the creative arts and a new way of thinking regarding ACEs and effects of trauma on the brain.
Told from a personal perspective, Knowles hopes that all educators, teachers, school counselors, parents, activists, and civic leaders begin to understand the lived ACE/LD/ADHD experience, not only the academic struggle, but the social and emotional reality that students in Special Ed unjustly go through every day.
After each performance audience members will be invited to reflect on how we might begin to collectively move forward toward inclusion, awareness and social change in the education system.
" ACE Kids do not need Special Education.
They need a Specialized Education one that is Arts based.
The arts have the power to teach, heal and save lives.
I am proof of that power."
-Jodie Knowles
THIS IS WHAT EDUCATORS ARE SAYING ABOUT
LEARNING CURVE!
California School Resource Officers Association fully supports the presentation of Jodie Knowles.
As you are aware, she brings to life the many challenges and negative stereotypes of those with learning disabilities. Her presentation brings understanding to the issues, challenges and emotions so many of our adolescents in and out of the juvenile justice system face. In turn, this understanding should bring about change in the way we view young people and how we conduct operations.
Wayne Sakamoto
Executive Director
CSROA
"Powerful story! I was able to think of so
many students I have worked with."
"I laughed, I cried! It really was eye opening and hit home hard! Thanks for such an amazing performance!"
"This presentation was awesome! What I take from it is that we need to teach children differently. Great job!"
"It touched my heart and gave a stronger why and reason to do what I do."
"Just AMAZING!"