Drama as a Social Tool

It’s fast approaching, but don’t miss the chance to be part of this great program. Saturday, November 8th is the beginning of a FREE eight-week program that welcomes kids living with autism. Drama Interaction, a nonprofit organization, received a grant to run a pilot social skills program for kids ages seven to 12 with developmental disabilities. The program developers have been working with kids with autism through the medium of drama for eight years. I spoke with Bonnie Neumann about this opportunity, and she’s very excited about this new development in social skills programs for kids.

There is no requirement for kids to sign up. They can be “into” theatre and the arts or not. The eight week program culminates in a performance, but those kids who don’t want to perform in front of a group don’t have to. They will be given other ways to participate. As Bonnie says, it’s all about developing social skills, building friendships, learning about give and take, emotions building self-esteem and improving confidence. Kids also get a foundation in creativity and how to enter the world of “make believe.” In the Company of Kids have been running programs like this for many years, and Bonnie has seen huge gains for some of their students when drama/theatre is used as a way to teach social skills.

It’s all about being flexible, and this program is designed to meet your child where they’re at: in need of social skill development or a recreational outlet for those who can’t participate in these types of community programs in other ways.

• Contact Bonnie at 952.220.1676 to register
• Saturday, November 8 from 3:00 to 3:45
• Capoeria Academy: 6441 Lyndale Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423
• FREE