Autism Drama Program

Using a variety of dramatic techniques, Theatre Horizon has developed a drama program that strives to inspire imaginary play and encourage interest in human relationships, which are some of the key challenges in children with autism.

Youth Drama uses a variety of dramatic techniques to inspire imaginary play, encourage interest in personal relationships, and model flexible thinking to help children find their own voices and learn valuable social skills in a fun way. Designed for students 10-16 years old.

Saturdays, May 4 - June 8, 2013
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Ages: 10-16

In Young Adult Playwriting, students will explore the various ways to write plays, including group, pair, and individually written pieces. The class will focus on strong characterization, rich dialogue, and engaging story lines and will help writers develop the skills they need to communicate their ideas effectively and make bold choices in a collaborative atmosphere.

Saturdays, May 4 - June 8, 2013
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Ages: 17-30

Registration is on a first come-first serve basis, so please fill out the registration form and mail it back to us with payment as soon as possible! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call or email.

Interested parents should contact Leigh Mallonee at Leigh@TheatreHorizon.org or (610) 283-2230.

Our Goals:

  • To inspire imagination and flexible thinking
  • To help children find their own voice
  • To teach social skills in a fun and positive way
Team Autism, a group of theatre artists and their students.
Students and Teachers, 2008

"The program focuses on each child's unique and individual motivations and builds off of them, encouraging relationships and creative play. Teachers create custom-made games that cross the child's motivations with the program's goals for them."
Excerpt from "Theatre Program Helps Kids with Autism Reach New Horizons", by Mindy Toran, Parents Express Magazine

"The program has come a long way since it began in 2006 with 'one autistic child, his parents and a small group of actors eager to learn how to utilize their experiences in theater to reach children on the autism spectrum... Five years after its inception, Theatre Horizon has trained a rotating staff of 14 experienced teaching theater artists comprising area actors, educators and artists,' McElroy says. 'The success of the program is due largely to this skilled and compassionate group, many of whom began as program volunteers.'"
Excerpt from "Theatre Program for Autistic Children a Success", by Mary English, www.montgomerynews.com

"Theatre Horizon's Autism Drama Program is an amazing and vital program. I had a difficult time finding a program that would interest my teenaged autistic son. When a friend recommended this program, my son's life changed dramatically. Theatre has become his passion, and this program taught him important skills."
Denise M. from Orleand, PA, parent of a child with autism

"Tyler doesn't talk about it, but I know he likes it because he is happy when I tell him we are going and he is happy when he leaves."
Al B. from West Chester, parent of a child with autism

Our Approach:

Our program is influenced by many different types of therapies and programs for children on the autism spectrum. Using core principles of the Son-Rise approach, floor-time therapy as well as modified and un-modified acting lessons and activities for children, we provide a program that supports and loves each individual child for who he or she is. We discover each child's unique and individual motivations and build off of them, encouraging relationships and creative play.

We often create custom-made games that cross the child's motivations with our goals for them.  Along with teaching the basics of drama, we incorporate principles of the three E's (energy, enthusiasm and excitement!), non-judgment, acceptance and tons of encouragement.  We are mindful that the kids we work with are…kids!  Therefore, we try to be silly, fun and interesting to watch. We are the child's very active, energetic and imaginative play partner.    

Our underlying goal is to help the students feel good about themselves while engaging in dramatic play with an accepting and encouraging friend.

Links to other Resources

The Autism Treatment Center of America™, is the worldwide teaching center for The Son-Rise Program(R), a powerful and effective treatment for children and adults challenged by Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Asperger's Syndrome, and other developmental difficulties.

The Son-Rise Program was originated in 1974 by parents, Barry Neil Kaufman (best-selling author, Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues) and Samahria Lyte Kaufman for their son. The treatment and educational model has changed the way children with Autism are helped worldwide. All Son-Rise Programs are designed especially for parents to teach parents how to effectively help and work with their children.