HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PROBLEM?
Produced by Inlet Dance Theatre
From Cleveland, OH
Resources
About the Company
A dance theatre adaptation of the #1 New York Times bestseller by Kobi Yamada, What Do You Do With a Problem? is a powerful story for all ages about a child facing a persistent problem. At first, the problem feels overwhelming, growing larger the more it’s ignored. But when the child bravely confronts it, the problem reveals unexpected possibilities. This moving production invites audiences to see challenges in a new light—reminding us that within every problem may lie a hidden opportunity… and a chance to discover something meaningful about ourselves.
This new production will premiere in June 2025 and is made possible with commissioning support from the TYA Tour Development Collective with contributions from Des Moines Performing Arts, Dayton Live, Playhouse Square, Gogue Performing Arts Center, Zoellner Arts Center, Midwest Trust Center, and Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
“I was blown away by the creativity and heart behind their performance. Everyone involved in this production is truly talented and they are creating something very special. My hope is that this show will inspire children to embrace their ideas and make a positive impact in their community.” –Author Kobi Yamada, President/CEO of Compendium, Inc. about their previous work What Do You Do With an Idea?
What Do You Do With a Problem? behind the scenes development video
Curriculum Connections
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Fine Arts: Dance and Movement,
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Language Arts: Reading, Creative Writing, Symbolism, Philosophical & Abstract Concepts
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Emotional/Social Development: Confidence, Growth Mindset, Creativity, Resilience
Outreach & Workshops
Please contact us if additional outreach or workshops is something you'd like to explore. A member of the creative team may be available to deliver pre or post show workshops or a live Q&A for participating audiences. Please connect with us about outreach activities that best engage your teachers and schools.
Sensory Friendly
This performance is available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.
Minimum Tech Specs
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Load In Time: 8 hours
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Crew Needs: 9 skilled technicians for load in / 7 needed for rehearsal and performance
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Min. Stage Size: 30' Wide x 24' Deep x 17’ High, with 6-8' wings needed on each side. Ideal stage size is 40' Wide x 30' Deep x 17’ High
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Sound Needs: standard sound system
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Floor Needs: The floor of the stage must be wood, laid over wood sleepers. A floor covering of black Marley or equivalent is necessary.
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Load Out Time: 1.5 hours
Artistic Team
Adapted with permission from the book WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PROBLEM?
written by Kobi Yamada; illustrated by Mae Besom
Published by Compendium, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
Copyright © 2016 by Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.
Choreographed by the company’s Founder and Executive/Artistic Director Bill Wade, in collaboration with the cast.
Original score by Jeremy Allen
Narrated by Dee Perry
Scenic design by Ian Petroni and Jenny Hitmar Shankland
Costumes by Sue Berry
Original Lighting Design by Trad Burns
Touring company will likely consist of 6 dancers and 2-3 technicians. TBA.
Critical Acclaim
Quotes about previous workWhat Do You Do With An Idea?:
“Throughout the evening, kids laughed, asked questions, and some adults were seen wiping their eyes. Inlet's work underscored the inclusivity of Yamada's narrative - everyone, young or old, has ideas. Like Wade's work, those ideas can come alive.” – Melanie Kraus-Har BroadwayWorld
“I was blown away by the creativity and heart behind their performance. Everyone involved in this production is truly talented and they are creating something very special. My hope is that this show will inspire children to embrace their ideas and make a positive impact in their community.” –Author Kobi Yamada, President/CEO of Compendium, Inc.
“The idea to write “What Do You Do With An Idea?”was born out of a desire to help kids, and really people of all ages, to see that ideas are fragile when they are new. They can be killed with criticism, an eye-roll or an exhale. I think it’s important for us all to see the value of our own ideas and to also be kind and supportive of the ideas of others. I never thought my children’s book would have inspired a world-class dance performance. It is thrilling to see how ideas build on ideas.” –Author Kobi Yamada, President/CEO of Compendium, Inc.
“In some ways the dancing also allows the audience to see in-between the pages and into the lives and interactions of the characters in the book.” -Steve Sucato, Arts Air
“Playhouse Square could not be prouder to be a producing partner on this extraordinary work for family audiences.” --Daniel Hahn, Vice President, Community Engagement & Education at Playhouse Square
About the Company
Past North American Tours Include: What Do You Do With an Idea?
Inlet Dance Theatre is one of the most unique professional contemporary dance companies hailing from the Midwest because Inlet’s ensemble-based culture, rooted in American Modern Dance, purposefully focuses on craftsmanship and mastery while employing a collaborative creative process in the development of new work. Founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 2001 by Executive/Artistic Director Bill Wade, Inlet embodies his long standing belief that a collaborative creative process is more inclusive than the traditional autocratic leadership hierarchy and results in work that is surprisingly diverse. Inlet’s repertory intentionally speaks creatively about human life issues in a life-giving manner. The company presents a wide aesthetic range of works, from abstract to narrative, that speaks to what could be, rather than only what is. Inlet develops and teaches people from the inside-out in all of the company’s design-centric programming. In 25 years, Inlet transformed from a small dance company with local impact into an organization that reaches people on an international level. In contrast to an industry where people are often used to further dance, Inlet Dance Theatre is committed to using dance to further people.
For more information, please visit the company’s website: www.inletdance.org
Past Productions
