Acting Up Class - For Kids on the Spectrum

By
Heather
Published: April 21, 2009Posted in: Around TownTags: , , ,
Acting Up Class - For Kids on the Spectrum

My son has been part of this acting class and has absolutely loved it.

On Monday, April 27th, Florida Rep will host a screening of HBO’s “Autism: The Musical” at 7pm as both a fund raiser for future programming for children with ASD’s, as well as a means to raise this community’s awareness about Autism. The screening will be held at the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District. There is no cost for admission, but donations are accepted.

Florida Rep’s course for children on the Autism Spectrum, Acting Up, was designed to give a group of young people the unique experience to express themselves and to grow individually and with others. It is an opportunity for them to connect with other kids like themselves.

“We wanted to give these young people a place to laugh, interact and grow outside of their therapy and schooling,” said Florida Rep’s Education Director and Acting Up instructor, Rachael Endrizzi. “Theater reminds us it’s ok sometimes to be different and silly. There are no grades in this classroom. Growth is measured individually, and small triumphs are cause for big celebration.”

The Acting Up course was inspired by the HBO Documentary “Autism: The Musical” which tells the story of a group of families whose kids - all diagnosed with forms of autism - create and perform a piece of musical theatre. That program was prompted by one mom’s desire to create a positive experience for her child and others with this perplexing and complex condition, and Florida Rep’s Acting Up course had a similar beginning.

Donna Roberts, a parent who saw a need for a program like this in her community, approached the arts educators at Florida Rep and told her story. Together with FGCU’s Occupational Therapy Department and KidsSpirit Therapy, the Rep’s Education Department, led by Associate Director Rachel Burttram, spearheaded this unique course for children on the Autism Spectrum. Acting Up uses Art Therapy and Applied Theatre Technique as a means to promote teamwork & partner work which aids in social interaction and improvisation, which focuses on abstract thinking skills and both verbal and non-verbal communication.

“Art Therapy is a very valuable learning tool for these students,” said Endrizzi, the class began on February 23rd, and I am already seeing improvements with the students. They are beginning to see the importance of teamwork, and the ones who were once reluctant to participate are finding strength in numbers.”

On Monday, April 27th, Florida Rep will host a screening of HBO’s “Autism: The Musical” at 7pm as both a fund raiser for future programming for children with ASD’s, as well as a means to raise this community’s awareness about Autism.

The screening will be held at the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District. There is no cost for admission, but donations are accepted. All proceeds will benefit Florida Rep’s programming for children on the Autism Spectrum. Tickets are available online at www.floridarep.org, or through the Florida Rep box office at 239-332-4488.

Florida Repertory Theatre is located on Bay between Jackson and Hendry in the Historic River District. Visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep.org.

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About the Author

Heather is mother to a 10 year old son with autism. They live in the Southwest Florida area and travel around the state on numerous adventures.