Acting Workshop Program
The AW program enhances communication, social interaction, and expression through an enjoyable, shared experience.
Introduction
Every year, AFC has two Acting Workshop (AW) group programs for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related conditions.
The Acting Workshop program provides a full theatrical experience including: learning the fundamentals of acting and performing, engaging in creative theater exercises and games, memorizing lines, rehearsing a play, and performing an actual play at a local community theater. Past performances have been held at the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) building, Otterbein University, the Columbus Performing Arts Center, the Short North Stage, and MadLab Theatre.
Application
This unique program helps members learn and develop the social and communication abilities that tend to be difficult for those with ASD or social anxiety. We staff witness our clients develop the ability to observe others, interpret language, and express themselves via facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Relationship skills are also developed. Many members often continue the AW program year after year. It is a joy to see the members build a network of friends with whom they find commonality and connection as they struggle and overcome challenges together. We have seen our clients increasingly demonstrate some of the harder aspects of relationships, namely: compromise, conflict resolution, perspective taking, shared-attention, self-awareness, adaptability, spontaneity, flexibility, reciprocal communication, pragmatic language, teamwork, cooperation, and group dynamics. And, through fun and creativity, the AW program tends to greatly help clients reduce anxiety and achieve improved self-expression and self-regulation.
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