Fingerlakes Artists, Musicians and Entertainers (FAME) was organized in 1999 by Seneca Cayuga ARC to promote the performing talents of adults with disabilities. FAME supports the development of these talents in a supportive and accessible environment. Since 1999 twelve stage productions have been offered to the public with over 230 individuals with disabilities in performing roles.
Over the years support and recognition have come from local, state, and national organizations. The City of Auburn Arts & Cultural Committee awarded grants in 2000 and 2001 in support of the FAME program. The Community Services Board of Cayuga County honored FAME with their first annual Program of the Year Award in 2002. The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council recognized FAME's unique contribution with an annual achievement award in 2004. The award category was "Inclusion in the Arts". Also in 2004, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation approved a grant to fund the purchase of a camcorder DVD camera with adaptive equipment. The camera has been used to film rehearsals and productions and in 2007 to make FAME's first movie, "The Falls", which premiered at the Fingerlakes Theater in Auburn on October 25, 2007.
The best may be yet to come for FAME participants. The New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) has funded the FAME Center for Creative Expression. The Center, located in Auburn, offers two-hour sessions in Theater Arts and Movie Making, Creative & Fine Arts, Drum Circles and Dance. For additional information download the Center's brochure below or call 315-539-5067 ext. 125.
Download the FAME brochure (pdf format)
