What we want
Our goal is simple: facilitate purposeful collaboration between artists, with and without disability. We celebrate inclusion through performance, involving the combined efforts of a diverse group of individuals and abilities.
our mission
Through collaboration between artists with and without disabilities, we strive to bring artistic excellence in theatre, creative writing, visual arts, choir, and dance.
Trolls, 2015
history
Combined Efforts was founded in 2002 at City High School by Janet Schlapkohl in Iowa City. Janet was a special education teacher. Students in her classroom displayed dramatic talents that only needed an opportunity for performance. An adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was written and tailored to their skills. The show was presented in the Little Theater at City High. They were assured that there wouldn’t be a very big audience but soon carts of extra chairs were frantically set up five minutes before the show opened to a bursting house.
In 2009 CE expanded outside of City High to include members of all ages from the community. The season went from one play a year to three major productions and two smaller shows.
The Men’s Choir and the Dance Team formed in 2012. They perform at large and small gatherings and are a part of the Theatre Company productions. Recent additions include The Writer’s Group, Expressive Arts, and Ulterior Motifs.
The Company now performs at indoor and outdoor venues. A long range goal is to find a permanent home for all CE teams and performances.
goals
Company members at rehearsal.
Actively seek participation by individuals with disabilities in Combined Efforts (CE).
Focus on Ensemble-driven original or adapted scripts.
Promote growth and learning in voice, movement, and expressive skills of all participants.
Present high quality and entertaining performances, shows, and art pieces.
what we’ve achieved
The Richard Maibaum Human Rights Award
Iowa City’s Isabelle Turner Human Rights Award
Finkbine Award for Human Rights
CET was contracted by the Kennedy Center, Washington DC, to provide playwriting workshops in Iowa in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Johnson County Community Foundation Grant 2019
Humanities Iowa Grant 2019
Men’s Choir