Dream of Theatre - A project intended for autistic youth aged 14-21

I would like to present to you the project Dream theater intended for teenagers, boys and girls on the autistic spectrum between the ages of 14-21. This is an innovative project that uses theater skills to improve the communication skills of autistic youth. Especially now, while we are at war, in an uncertain situation with routine overturned and home and security threatened the modalities this project offers are needed more than ever. Using methods and communication techniques from the world of theater and the arts in general (music, movement and storytelling), by expert artist-facilitators, the participants gain calm, confidence, become involved learn valuable life skills, and enrich their interpersonal communication and relationships. From October 7, like all citizens of the State of Israel, the autistic teenagers also experienced trauma, fear and anxiety and a complex and challenging period. The house that was the familiar, safe, calm and stable place before the war became a physical place that could be broken into, a scary and unsafe place. Children diagnosed with autism are often more sensitive than normal children and they need routine. During war it is clear that the routine was violated and it is accompanied by tension and instability and calmness. Dream Theater allows the participants to enter the silence where they can share, dream, express themselves on a personal and group level. We can explain and mediate the situation to understand what prevents them from practicing situations from their experiences and personal world, give them a place to express their fears, feelings and anxieties. The group/social/family affiliation is a missing and necessary element for every autistic boy and girl. In situations of fracture and trauma, the element of belonging becomes even more critical. We will try to understand them and meet their needs in a caring, inclusive and enabling way. Content: through a professional guiding team, on a professional stage, the participants are exposed to the world of theater and learn the basics of acting as a tool for life, in a unique way: working with texts, interpersonal communication, body language, standing in front of an audience, use of voice, self-image and self-expression through voice, Role playing and movement. The project allows us to enhance the personal abilities and skills of each participant as an individual as well as the entire group of participants. The participants are exposed to the world of creativity and theater, acquiring accessible and practical tools for use in everyday life. At the meetings, they make their voices heard, tell their personal stories, express their opinions, accept themselves and their bodies and strengthen their self-confidence, despite the difficulties and limitations. Participants are guaranteed a meaningful and enriching process, a combination of fun, experience and depth. A professional team guides the participants led by a leading guide and guest guides. These meet the special needs of an individual and a group. In the process, the disability of the participants becomes secondary. Let their emotion speak for itself. Each in his own special way and according to his ability. They learn the actor's skills as a leader and as an entertainer on stage - and also as creators, with the full belief that they too can, that they too are capable of standing on stage. The project aims to enable and give an equal opportunity to a disadvantaged population, autistic teenagers, to integrate into a normal environment through experiences of situations in their lives. Through the project we wish to take part in the struggle to reduce social gaps through experience and in-depth meetings. The goal of the project is to empower the participants as individuals, equip the participants with tools to deal with everyday life and consolidate them as a group, like an ensemble of actors. The series of meetings allows for a rare, high-quality and unusual meeting, which reveals to others and to themselves different contents and layers of autistic people. The project creates an opportunity for the kind of expression and exposure that the autistic population does not get, and opens a door for them to the world of theater. A world that allows each of them personal growth, a lever for strength and courage. The project allows us to give them an opportunity to express themselves and with their voice, allows them to exercise the basic right to contribute to society and the community in which they live. We are sure that the participants of the project will create identification and sympathy among the audience and thus will arouse social awareness and perhaps also motivate the viewers to act in favor of accepting the other and the different. Enrichment: as part of the process, the participants enjoy meetings with artists who have expertise in a certain field of performance, such as mask work, puppetry, shadow theater, depending on the needs of the particular group. Included are guided tours of the theater's backstage operations that introduce attendees to the creative elements of light, sound, video, and costumes and set design. Every year the process culminates in a stage event: a production/show/video on a professional stage presented to family, friends and acquaintances. Each member participates and receives an honorable and respectful role on the stage, according to his personal desire, ability and skills. From our experience, they will be moved to tears, they will reach very impressive achievements and they will receive extremely positive feedback and great applause from the audience. In addition, during the process, the participants enjoy a concentrated viewing of five carefully selected theater productions suitable for their level. In the process, the disability of the participants becomes secondary. Their feelings will speak for themselves. Everyone in their own special way and according to their ability will act and react on stage. They learn the actor's skills as a leader and as an entertainer on stage - and also as creators, with the full belief that they too can, that they too are capable of standing on stage. Profile of participants: Two groups of 12 participants each, medium-high functioning autistics, aged 14-21, in the orthodox and secular sectors. Schedule: The project takes place through a series of weekly meetings, once a week, on a fixed day they will meet for an hour and a quarter. Each group will enjoy 36 meetings during the year. Location: Beit Mezia Theater provides a fully professional environment, with professional and technically equipped theater halls, studios, dressing rooms, costumes and props, amplification and lighting. Located in the center of Jerusalem, the location is accessible and convenient for participants. What people are saying about the show: Natan, an educator and teacher of autistic youth: "This year we decided to take a big step forward and put on a production, and the effect on the group was electric - it brought motivation, drive and excitement, they learned texts by heart, memorized where they come on stage, when they leave, was for them A huge experience" Eli Reinman, leading facilitator, director and professional actor: "Every year we see progress in the participants' ability to express themselves, not only in the theater but in their daily communication." Israel, 15-year-old participant: "I started standing up and talking in front of everyone. I used to be shy" Itay, an educator and teacher of autistic youth: "The success is amazing! Our students come every Tuesday to the Jerusalem Theater Company with great joy! Attendance is almost 100%, on Tuesdays they never get sick. They always come. They wait for this meeting" Amit, 17-year-old fellow participant: "I look forward to meeting Eli every week. We learn a lot and also have fun" Results and impact of the project: The project affects the participants and the community in the short and long term. On a personal level, all participants report a significant and unforgettable experience of enjoyment, learning, making new friends and opening up to new worlds. They gain communication skills, self-confidence and the ability to work in group situations. The family invited to participate in open meetings throughout the year, which focus on family ties, gets a fresh look at the participant and an opportunity to connect with him in a new way. Moments of shared joy and laughter are priceless as are moments of heartfelt interaction. Pride on both sides often helps to maintain and sometimes heal domestic relations. At the group level, the autistic youth collaborate in pairs, in small groups during the workshops. In each session they learn additional elements of how to become a team of co-players. Little by little they become friends, support each other, express themselves, get engaged and feel the positive and meaningful aspects of real cooperation. At the community level - we believe that the project strengthens the status of autistic teenagers and adults alike. The final performance always creates identification and is a source of inspiration. We believe that the project has the power to influence and bring about change in the community, near and far. Please help us continue to expand the project and initiative. Although we are supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Municipality of Jerusalem for our professional theatrical activities, therefore unfortunately the project A Dream of a Theater does not receive their support. The project is in our hearts and it is very important to us! More. We also need your support, and invite you to join the success. US Donations: Tax-deductible US donations may be sent through PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Inc (630 Third Avenue, 15 TH Floor (NEW) New York NY 10017 USA | Tel: 212-599-1260 Fax: 212-599 -5981) in the recommendation to assign it to the Jerusalem Theater Company -580080224 Donors in Israel: The institution has income tax approval regarding donations according to section A46 All the Best