Creative Engagement Program for Young People with Special Needs
DRAMA FORCE is a series of creative workshops inspiring imagination and social development in children with disabilities, specifically young people on the autism spectrum, capitalising on the unique strengths and interests of participants.
What we do:
- CREATE a professional, inclusive performance for children and their parents through a comprehensive creative workshop program.
- EMPOWER and EDUCATE and provide a cultural experience for young people on their own terms, and a leadership opportunity for young performers. Children with special needs will learn new, creative ways of self-expression and communication.
- BRIDGE new friendships and help children with special needs build on their emotional intelligence.
DRAMA FORCE provides young people in Deniliquin with something that unifies and connects them, while at the same time celebrating their creative uniqueness. The series of creative workshops encourages social inclusion, confidence, turn taking, team building, flexible thinking and focus.
In 2017 we explored in a wider variety of creative art forms, and encouraging the young people to experiment with their own art making and creativity. Each semester of workshops culminate in a performance completely devised and dreamed up by the participants.
Workshops focus on:
- Confidence building
- Eye contact
- Art making
- Movement
- Negotiation skills
- Listening
Created in response to direct requests from families in Deniliquin, DRAMA FORCE is designed to target the socio-emotional challenges of autism by utilising established behavioural intervention paradigms implemented in combination with theatrical techniques.
If you would like to get involved please contact Sarah Parsons at sarah@outbacktheatre.com or (03) 5881 6260.
Details for the 2018 program will be available soon.
The project is supported by Intereach Deniliquin, the Mazda Foundation, Regional Arts NSW and Create NSW.
