Community Speaks

“The organization is doing ground-breaking work in Regina/Saskatchewan to lower the barriers and welcome diverse individuals onto our stages. They are unique in Saskatchewan. Their work always catches you by surprise.”

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Dr. Kathleen Irwin, University of Regina

"Everyone, no matter who they are, what they've done or where you come from needs to see and really listen to this [work]. Honest. Vulnerable, Surprising, Courageous. Moving. Unforgettable. Raw humility is better than fiction here. Bravo."

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– Stephanie Pope, Audience Member

" I can proudly say that after becoming a member of Listen To Dis’ nothing can stop me: not my disability, and absolutely not fear. I have found my way to a professional career in the arts, through this organization "

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- Ammanda Zelinski, LTD’ member

"Listen to Dis' has impacted my filters, perspectives on how it must be for people of different abilities. I enjoyed the specific personal stories; I also liked the great sense of

humour and empathy brought to stories. Just a great work, keep on keeping on!"

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- Kris Alvarez, local actor and advocate

"Listen to Dis’ provides a wakeup call for all of us. Our communities need to see more of this kind of theatre and this kind of advocacy through art. We need greater exposure to authentic voices and stories of disabled artists. As a Learning Consultant, I see an urgency in reaching young people with these stories and experiences with theatre and opportunities for theatre workshops. Education is charged with important work - creating students who see the world with empathy, courage and joyfulness alongside social responsibility and social justice."

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- Sherron Burns - Indigenous Learning Consultant - Living Sky School Division - North Battleford,  SK

"Their work grows more burningly relevant with every passing year as the arts community seeks to lead in the dismantling of oppressive and exclusive systems that quash individuals’ artistic potentials and silence important voices. It is essential that these efforts be led by those with the lived experiences to lead them, and LTD’ remains the only disability-led disability art organization in Saskatchewan."

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- Mark Claxton – Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals

“It is challenging to put into words everything that LTD’ has helped make possible this past year.”

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- Caitlin Mullan – Mackenzie Art Gallery - Head of Strategic Initiatives

“Thank you, Traci, for the powerful, moving and heartfelt work of your company. And especially for the joy of seeing our humanity in new ways. You collectively created works of art that touch our hearts and transforms our understanding. Theatre at its best. We are in awe of your artistry and honesty.”

 

- Ruth Smillie, Artistic Director Emeritus

"The stories are as remarkable as the diverse group of actors who collaborated on a compelling look at life from a point of view we see too seldom."

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- Val Cowther - Audience Member

"It is so important to allow and encourage artists with disabilities to work from and with their bodies. The opportunity to fully express your creative self-using both voice and movement is crucial for performers, and yet, it is something that is often overlooked or dismissed when working with people who may have limited

mobility. "

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- Aimee Garchinski, choreographer

"Listen to Dis’ Community Arts Organization Inc. provided us with invaluable advice and support in our efforts to be an inclusive organization. As a non-profit who hosts community-based events, we want to make sure that everyone can access and enjoy the Regina Folk Festival. Listen to Dis' willingness to educate and share personal stories and experiences with us was not only appreciated but something we think every organization should create the space for. They are a crucial resource and leading a very important conversation."

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– Melanie Metcalf, Volunteer and Concert Series Manager of the Regina Folk Festival

"Listen to Dis is poised to be a major player in the ecology of Canadian theatre. Working with constant and everchanging barriers to society, artists with disabilities are in a constant state of re-inventing norms and recalibrating ‘protocols”. As the rest of the theatre world experiments with ways to decentralize power and decision making, we look to those who have been on the front line of renewal for guidance. I am grateful for the hard work Listen to Dis has already done to expand all our knowledge. I hope we can emulate their practice, one that honors difference and exemplifies grace in the process of making great theatre."

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- Jennifer Brewin  - Artistic Director  Globe Theatre