by Molly Eide Marquez
In the heart of California’s Central Valley is a vibrant arts scene that hums alongside the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In Visalia, CA, Green Rose Productions emerges as a beacon of creativity and inclusion. Founded on the principles of artistic freedom and community empowerment, this unique organization offers a platform for artists with disabilities to not only express themselves but also to connect with the broader world.
Rosalinda Verde Alexander
In the interview that follows, Rosalinda shares the story behind Green Rose Productions, its core mission, and the incredible impact it has on the community.
KRL: Could you share the story behind the founding of Green Rose Productions? What motivated you to be a part of this organization?
Rosalinda Verde Alexander (RVA): For over a decade, I have had the privilege of working creatively with artists with disabilities, serving as the Performing Arts Director at an arts school for adults with disabilities. Over time, our creative freedoms were being increasingly restricted. The joy and authenticity of our work were often compromised by unnecessary censorship, even down to something as harmless as a fart joke. This stifling environment inspired us to start Green Rose Productions—a space where we could reclaim our artistic freedom and ensure that every voice, idea, and fart joke is honored without compromise.
The 501c3 was established in 2018, and brought to life in 2021. I started Green Rose to help artists with disabilities shine. And to bring more arts to the valley to foster a creative community.
KRL: What is the core mission of Green Rose Productions, and how do you see it evolving in the next few years?
RVA: Our mission is to help artists with disabilities find their purpose and independence through the arts. Our focus is helping artists with disabilities, and including those who are non-neurodivergent or able as well, so that we can bridge the gap between communities.
We have been working on a YouTube show called The Magic Treehouse at Camp Alexander since Covid times. We want to develop the Magic Treehouse into an online show and platform so we can connect with the rest of the world, and be a beacon of hope for the rest of the disabled community. We are working to find other artists from other areas, to increase our reach and visibility.
KRL: Can you highlight some of the flagship programs and initiatives of Green Rose Productions? How do these programs make a difference in the communities you serve?
RVA: Our flagship program is The Magic Treehouse at Camp Alexander, which was born from a concept we developed called The Land of Creation. This universe was designed to be a space where all of our ideas could come to life. The treehouse itself is rooted in the idea that we can go anywhere and explore anything in this expansive universe, giving us the freedom to dive into any subject, space, or place we can imagine. I like to think of it as a blend of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Pee Wee’s Playhouse, Selena y Los Dios, and the imagination of artists with special needs. The show allows the Imagineers to express their artistic side. It gives them an outlet and purpose, as well as being compensated for their work. Which is a big deal in the artist community. Making sure artists get paid for their talents and hard work has been our vision for the Central Valley of California.
Green Rose Production
KRL: Who makes up the primary audience or beneficiaries of Green Rose Productions’ work? How do you ensure their needs and interests are met?
RVA: One of our Imagineers, Cory, coined the term “kidult,” and our programming is designed for kidults around the world. We love incorporating fantasy into our shows, always with the goal of making a positive impact on our viewers and teaching them something valuable.
KRL: Could you tell us about a recent project or success story that exemplifies the impact of Green Rose Productions? What was the community’s response?
RVA: We just executed a 135k California Arts Council Grant, funneled through the Kern Dance Alliance Creative Corps, to produce an original musical episode of the Magic Treehouse show called The Revenge of the Sea Witch. We toured it through three cities and two counties. The show was written by Green Rose Productions and focuses around themes of earth conservation, new energy sources, and self-accountability and love. Oh, and aliens.
The community was proud of our accomplishment. Those that attended the show were impressed by the original music and the uplifting messages of the musical. This project employed over 30 Central Valley artists, and many production studios. The actors wrote the show, performed in the show, and have shared in its success. We had people on stage for the first time in their lives, rocking out and making their care providers weep with emotion. It is awesome to see people with special needs be recognized for their talents on stage with roars of applause.
KRL: In what ways does Green Rose Productions collaborate with other organizations or community stakeholders?
RVA: At Green Rose Productions, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. When we set out to create a show, it’s not just about the performers on stage—it’s about the entire community coming together to make something truly special. For example, when we need a space to rehearse or host an event, we turn to the Visalia Players at the Ice House Theater, where their welcoming venue becomes our creative playground. When it’s time to bring sound and lighting to life, SMD Lighting steps in, ensuring we have a stage, lights and audio.
Our creative process is enriched by our partnerships with experts like Jonathan of Hendrickson Studios, whose staff meticulously records and engineers our original songs and videos. We work with Crispy of Lush Waves Music Studio, who handles the delicate task of engineering our audio dialogue. The rhythm of our productions often takes shape at P.A.T.Y’s studio out of Hanford, where choreography and rehearsals come to life in a space that feels like home.
Organizationally, Terry Productions is our go-to for coordinating logistics and gaining access to theaters, while top-tier musicians like Carlos Rodriguez of Mezcal infuse our shows with original, soul-stirring music. We worked with artist Tracy Polkownikow to design coloring pages for our show. The Spiritual Center provided a serene environment for our final rehearsals, where all the elements came together before the curtain rose.
Green Rose Productions has an excellent board whose members bring an incredible amount of resources, skills, and expertise. Hannah Board, pianist for the Sequoia Symphony and accompanist for Redwood High School, has served on the board and without whom this non-profit would not be possible. Carrie Hogue of Free Air Life, a business also helping those with special needs, has provided and collaborated with Green Rose to mount our last project, The Revenge of the Sea Witch.
The Revenge of the Sea Witch was a true testament to the power of collaboration. It required pulling every string in our network, tapping into all our contacts, and finding the perfect spaces and people to bring a one-hour show to life. Beyond these artistic partnerships, we also connect with city governments, officials, and county boards of supervisors, ensuring our voice is heard and our resources are secured. These collaborations are more than just functional—they are the lifeblood of Green Rose Productions, helping us to not only create art but to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
KRL: How do arts and cultural initiatives like those of Green Rose Productions contribute to broader community development and engagement?
RVA: By creating inclusive spaces for artistic expression, we foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among individuals who might otherwise feel marginalized. Our programs not only celebrate diversity but also bring people together, bridging gaps between different communities and fostering understanding and empathy.
These initiatives also have a ripple effect on the community. When artists with disabilities are given the platform to share their talents, it challenges societal perceptions and opens up dialogues about inclusion, accessibility, and the value of every individual’s contribution. I’m passionate about my Imagineers—the students who have been creating and growing alongside me for the past decade. Many of our Imagineers are autistic, some have Down syndrome, and others take more time to grasp new concepts. But the truth is, we all face our own challenges. If we can recognize that, then we can create a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive environment for everyone
KRL: For readers interested in supporting Green Rose Productions, what are some ways they can get involved or contribute?
RVA: We are looking for more artists with disabilities who want to participate. As we work on our next scripts, we enjoy bringing new characters to life.
We are a 501c3, and a tax deductible donation is always appreciated. You can get involved by signing up for our monthly newsletter on our website, greenroseproductions.org. Visit our social medias @greenroseproductions.usa or email us at greenroseproductions.usa@gmail[dot]com.
We invite you to the Arts Consortium’s Taste the Arts Festival in downtown Visalia on October 19, 2024 where Green Rose Productions will be featured in the center arts booth. The crew will be teaching our prayer of protection and selling our art. Come out to our next performance event, Day of the Dead, a ceremony and space to honor the ancestors, at the Visalia Mausoleum on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
Green Rose Productions is more than just an arts organization; it is a testament to the power of inclusivity and the impact that creative expression can have on individuals and communities alike. As Green Rose Productions looks to the future, its commitment to empowering artists with disabilities and fostering a vibrant, inclusive arts community remains unwavering. Whether through attending performances, making a donation, or simply spreading the word, there are countless ways for the Central Valley community and beyond to support this incredible mission. By coming together, we can ensure that the voices of all artists are heard, celebrated, and cherished.
You can check out The Revenge of the Sea Witch on the Green Rose Productions YouTube channel.
Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.
If you love local theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.
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