An arts and performance program for children and teens diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs. Participants will be involved in all aspects of the program and production including acting, music, movement, script development, and stage craft.

Goals of the project:

To provide a performing arts experience including dramatic play, dramatic enactment, music, movement, visual arts and performance for young people in the Tampa Bay community who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. 

Goals will be individualized for each participant; however general program goals include providing participants with the opportunity to experience the arts in a playful, non-judgmental environment, to identify and expand on creative abilities and interests, and to joyfully share successes with an encouraging audience.  

Participant goals include enhanced skills
in the areas of:

Social interaction and social competence

Group interaction, collaboration and compromise

Reciprocal conversation

Understanding abstract, humorous and figurative language

Understanding non-verbal communication signals

Use of vocal tone, body language, facial expression in communication

Perspective taking

Movement and motor skills

Self awareness and awareness of others

Empathy

Creative thinking

Creative problem solving

Relationship building

Positive self identity

Self expression

Pride and self esteem

Participants and staff:

The program, a pilot project, involves groups in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties . The program is directed by Loretta Gallo-Lopez, a licensed mental health counselor and registered drama therapist. Guest artists in the areas of music, dance/movement and visual arts, will alternate involvement and at times collaborate to enhance the arts and therapeutic experience. Student interns and volunteers will also be involved in the program under the supervision of the program director. Families (including siblings) of the participants will be involved intermittently via special workshops and combined sessions. Professional staff from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities @ USF will provide monthly, on site workshops/trainings for parents of participants.

The ACT Project thanks it’s generous program supporters including the Hoffman Institute of Performing Arts @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and the University of South Florida.

Program fees:

$100 per month / child

Tampa Program

Where: University of South Florida
         Theatre Building - Studio 222

            
When: 8 - 12 year olds: Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:00 PM
         Teens: Wedensdays 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Pinellas Program

Where:   Hoffman Institute of Performing Arts at
                              Ruth Eckerd Hall
            1111 McMullen Booth Road
                           Clearwater , Florida 33759

When: 8-12 year olds: Thursdays 4:30 – 6:00PM
                   Teens:  Thursdays 6:00 – 7:30PM

Performances:

A short in-studio performance will take place in mid-December and a year-end performance will take place during the last week of April 2010.

For more information please contact:

ACT Project Director

Loretta Gallo-Lopez, MA

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Registered Drama Therapist – Board Certified Trainer

Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor

813-231-2520 / lgallolopez@yahoo.com