The Fischer Bodies: 40 Days/40 Rights

Community Art

We’re here to share and talk about some of the art initiatives in the grassroots community in and around Flint. Art is the easiest way to find out what matters in a community. It is the most immediate way to get involved and feel included in a city you’re new to, and it is the first thing to have a pulse after a place is hit with hard times. We know this very well in Flint, where the economy and government are and have been in difficult weather for quite some time yet the arts scene has remained forward-thinking, cutting-edge and inclusive. The Fischer Bodies are proud of the community we represent and it is for our fellow artists that we create many of our pieces. It is a kind of conversation we are having with each other that goes something like this: “Hey! Wanna see something cool? Ok here it is. Can I see what you got? Wow that’s cool too! Kay later!” Even more deeply than seeing something cool, community art is a voice. It is a way to articulate in a meaningful and powerful way that we are a population of thinking, feeling and creative individuals who will continue to articulate our opinions, desires and dreams for the future. No matter what.
What better place to start or initiative than with something that is close to our hearts and minds? So it is with much pride and (of course) glitter we present our spotlighted initiatives, with one that is the closest to us: Flint City Theatre. We have quite the collaboration with Flint City Theatre- if the Fischer Bodies had one theatrical crush, FCT would be it. Not only do we sometimes share a venue (The Good Beans Café), but members of FCT lend a hand with the Bodies and vice versa regularly.
FCT produces mostly Shakespeare and independently-written projects with a smattering of small productions here and there. Recently it has converted from a seasonal theatre to a project-based theatre. This means that FCT used to release a season every year complete with a few productions to take up the months of the season. Now it is based on what each member wants to do.
We love FCT for a few reasons. First, it develops independent works on a regular basis. Secondly, it makes art accessible to members of the community through affordable ticket prices (tickets never exceed $10). Also the integrity of the ensemble, understanding and respect inherent in the productions, and the collaborative atmosphere is always obvious in productions created. These are a team of wickedly smart and cooperative individuals. Thanks for adding to the arts culture of Flint, FCT!
Flint City Theatre's Mission Statement
To create productions of classical and modern theatre that are accessible to diverse Flint area audiences and to offer such productions at reasonable admission prices.
To provide opportunities for local area actors, directors, designers, and technicians to explore serious theatre and enhance their skills with the freedom to choose material based on artistic perspectives.
To provide educational opportunities to area schools through run-out programs and workshops in various aspects of theatre.
To provide educational opportunities to local theatre artists through workshops and practical training.
For more information on Flint City Theatre, visit their website: www.flintcitytheatre.com

Please enjoy some photos of past FCT productions!