INVENTIONS
BUTTER WORTHY WHEEL CHAIRS
. In collaboration with Rick Bausman and the Drum-Workshop.Inc. we can now offer full theatrical events (music and drama)- Rick and his nonprofit organization have been attaching musical instruments to wheelchairs and instructing users for the last 25 years both here and abroad. Expert instruction from theater and music professionals can make beginners proficient in a short period of time. The therapeutic and physical benefits are scientifically proven
Instructions detail how to add effects to all models. These ‘Chairs’ are seen as innovative machines enhancing performances, as educational devices, and as therapeutic engines for repair. Looking for a Chair Theater that fits elegantly into your home?- These special models are beautifully constructed by skilled furniture makers with curved lines, creative wood choices, and smooth movement. Working with clients, custom decorative elements are added to fit a particular need or aesthetic.
A battery sits below the seat. An installed and integrated power inverter allows for many options: sound system, video projector, DVD player (with mp3, DVD, and laptop inputs), 250 watt ‘shadow’ lamp, and many other lighting effects.
. In collaboration with Rick Bausman and the Drum-Workshop.Inc. we can now offer full theatrical events (music and drama)- Rick and his nonprofit organization have been attaching musical instruments to wheelchairs and instructing users for the last 25 years both here and abroad. Expert instruction from theater and music professionals can make beginners proficient in a short period of time. The therapeutic and physical benefits are scientifically proven
Our unique wheelchair production stations & theater machines are specifically designed for two distinct markets:
1. Schools, organizations, hospitals and individuals.
2. Established theaters.
Our mission is: to provide units that can easily attach to wheelchairs transforming them into ‘Theater Machines’ designed to project images to onboard screens from ‘shadow characters’ and video projectors, and to transport animated flats; to open whole worlds of fun and to enhance lives educationally and creatively.
“Primary Stakeholders”
1. Those with disabilities who wish to explore the worlds of theater and interactive projection.
2. Organizations who work with those with disabilities.
3. Those who wish to assist family or friends.
How:
Using doors and windows with ingenious attaching devices, these prefabricated ‘Theater’ pieces easily set onto existing wheelchairs in minutes. Each Chair Theater comes with one screen, two shadow figures, three lighting ‘effects’, a sophisticated ‘tray’ with electronic controls, and places to attach a sound system and video projector. Users can either enter and leave easily from other chairs or detach the pieces when done and store in an area one foot thick by three feet wide by five feet high. Most closets will suffice.
“Key Market”
Schools, hospitals, veteran centers, and all and sundry who use wheelchairs regularly or now and then.Also for theaters and individuals who wish to enhance the lives of wheelchair users. These ‘Chair Theaters’ can be choreographed to work in concert or alone- in front of many or for individual enjoyment, stationary or in a complex ‘dance’.
Contribution:
We provide simple and complex ‘entertainment’ machines that attach easily to existing wheelchairs and walkers allowing wheelchair users to take part solely or in groups in theatrical events. Simple versions and complex versions are available.
Distinction:
High quality, low priced artistically and technically superior machines that provide high end entertainment for the users and potential audiences. A sophisticated chargeable power system feeds both the sound and light aspects of the Chair keeping it mobile.
THEATER CHAIR
MUSIC CHAIR
PROP CHAIR
The Music Chair
In collaboration with Rick Bausman (www.drum-workshop.org) we have developed Rolling Splendor: Rolling Splendor organizes fast-paced ‘inclusive’ events for those with and without disabilities. A contracted community starts with the making of objects, then training and rehearsals all towards culminating performances. These renowned performer/educators expertly lead the groups into rousing theatrical and musical events. The pieces made to attach to the wheelchairs are light, strong, beautifully decorated, and attach in minutes. When needed, Chairs are equipped with on-board power, lights, amplification, etc.
The Music Chairs create a unified ‘Big Band’ look and the Visual Chairs allow performers to work shadow, light, and animated flat ‘side-cars’. Scores, stage directions, and most of the imagery have already been created. Each performance preparation leaves time for students to create some parts so that each group feels their own connection to that particular show. This also gives communities knowledge of how to make their own Wheelchair Theaters after the directors have gone. Diagrams and construction plans are offered wherever Rolling Splendor operates. Theatrical groups with all the bangs and whistles can establish themselves in perpetuity.
This year we offer ‘Akiwowo!’. This work, created by famed Nigerian drummer Olatunji, takes an African village through difficult terrain and wild animals to the train where they head off to the market. The performance includes puppets that ‘fly’ over the audience, two pipe-and-drape hand puppet stages, a rolling train, 7 musicians, and 7 rolling shadow and light theaters. Puppeteers double as stage hands pushing the theaters in beautiful, choreographed movements. It is possible to include more than 30 in a full production. The mixing of differently abled populations has lasting positive effects.
The theater chairs shown are examples of possible designs. Some communities may want logos displayed that celebrate local organizations, schools, etc.
Because wheelchairs move with astounding smoothness and fluidity, we see the potential for parades, outdoor concerts, small and large ensembles, and full theatrical performances with all the effects inherent to professional staging. The possibilities are boundless.
Custom models are available. For bands, parades, and theatrical events logos and thematic paintings can be added simply.
A partnership (Rolling Splendor) joins Butterworth Productions and The Drum-workshop, Inc. We have developed programs utilizing 6 ‘Visual Chairs’ and 6 ‘Music Chairs’. Scripts, scores, and stage directions allow groups to quickly involve communities in full, highly entertaining theatrical events. These inclusive performances can involve disparate community schools, organizations, and cliques in a rousing, nurturing convention.
We see these smooth moving wheelchair theaters as vehicles to the stars.
The designs and decorations of all these inventions are easily changed for each event. With these first models we wanted to show ‘possibilities’. Each organization and each event will have its own needs.
The Wheelchair Theater Project was awarded it first grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts in 2009. By this point one projection model, one music model, and one ‘animated flat’ ‘side car’ have been successfully completed. The parts to all these inventions are light and assemble in minutes.
Local programs in schools and theaters are in the works. National and international excursions are planed for the future.
These chairs can all be customized to fit the individual and the individuals needs and desires. The Music Chair is a fine example of how any wheel chair can become a valuable asset to any production.
WE BUILD CUSTOM WHEEL CHAIRS UNIQUE TO EACH CLIENT, IF YOU NEED A FUNCTIONAL ROLLING CHAIR FOR ANY CREATIVE REASON CONTACT US WITH YOUR IDEAS RIGHT AWAY.