Theatre for All Abilties
Since 2015, I have been making theatre with people of all abilities. These are people who have some of the following diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities. I have partnered with organizations that serve this community: JCHAI, Families CCAN, Friendship Home, Friendship Circle and others. I have presented on my work with this community at global and national conferences. And I have coached and co-created stand-alone theatre pieces with some of the amazing people I have met through this work.
My classes for all abilities use a sensory-sensitive approach, with ample transition time and a whiteboard displaying that class’s sequence. We begin by checking in with each other, then we warm up, play games and create our own plays and scenes using structured improvisation. We end class by celebrating each other through a ritual called Sparkles! If possible, we share our work with an invited audience at the final class. Class will include:
visible sequence of class displayed each session
relaxed transition into class activities.
gentle group check in, in which participants share about their week.
speech, voice and body warm ups.
fun an accessible games in groups and pairs.
structured improvisation, acting out characters and situations we develop.
an original piece of devised theater, created using the Story Spine, with roles for everyone (even for people who don’t want to act!)
Want to study with Ben? Send him an email - click here!
