The Magic of Theatre & Autism

(February 3, 2010, Roseville, Calif) SENSE Theatre - in collaboration with Magic Circle in Roseville, California - are now off to see the Wizard in their new musical production of Wizard of Oz. SENSE Theatre is a unique theatrical intervention research program designed to improve the social and emotional functioning of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

As Dorothy might say, there’s no place like SENSE Theatre to provide a home to children with autism spectrum disorders. However, this is no ordinary trip down the yellow brick road – this truly is a magical experience for children with autism. SENSE Theatre has partnered with Magic Circle Theatre, to put 15 children with autism spectrum disorders on the stage with 30 youth actors from the Master Class production, who serve as peer models and fellow cast members.

Founder, Blythe Corbett, Ph.D. exclaims “We are grateful for the support of Magic Circle who is providing the stage, production costs and hospitality to bring the mission of SENSE Theatre center stage, which we hope to be the first of many collaborative productions.” In her “day job” - Corbett, is an associate professor at the University of California, Davis M.I.N.D. (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute. Along with the SENSE lab – her team aims to show how art and science can merge to create an ideal environment to learn how to communicate, socialize and express themselves.

“My sons showed me things I never knew they were capable of doing,” says parent Kristen Byrne who has two sons enrolled in the SENSE Theatre program. “One night during a performance my son Ethan spotted me in the audience and after the end of one of the songs he ran off stage into the audience and with a huge grin he said, "Mom, I did it!" The joy of seeing him feel so accomplished and proud was worth it all. SENSE Theatre truly is a stage of hope.

While the Tinman is in search of his heart, the participants of SENSE Theatre can easily find an abundance of it through the valiant efforts of this unique non-profit intervention program that utilizes professional volunteers and peer models to train and support the children with autism to adapt to the world through theatre. There truly is no place like SENSE Theatre to provide a home to children with autism.

The Wizard of Oz will premier March 5^th and 6^th at 7:30 pm and March 7^th at 2:30 pm for their closing matinee performance at Magic Circle Theatre, 241 Vernon Street in Roseville. Tickets can be purchased online: www.mcircle.org/shows/wizard_of_oz_sense/index.html

MEDIA CONTACTS

National Contact
Ed Bazel
ebazel@sensetheatre.com

Sacramento Contact
Kristen Byrne
kristenbyrne1@gmail.com

It Makes SENSE To Donate!

As we look forward to the new year, we want to thank you for all your support during our inaugural year at SENSE Theatre - A Stage Of Hope For Children With Autism. Some of our magical highlights include:

The Founding Of SENSE Theatre
We enjoyed a wonderful evening of performances at The Davis Musical Theatre by Hardwater (a local Davis favorite), a cast of youth performers and our special guest Franc D'Ambrosio - who is known for his work as the Phantom of the Opera. The cast and Franc joined hands to sing "High Hopes" which is what we certainly have for our work at SENSE Theatre!

SENSE Theatre Presents "The Jungle Book"
SENSE Theater's first full stage production, "Disney's The Jungle Book," was a wonderful success! We produced it in collaboration with Davis Musical Theatre Company (DMTC) and the colorful show featured 36 performers, including several children with autism participating in the SENSE Theatre program.


SENSE Theatre Begins 2010 With "The Wizard Of Oz" SENSE Theater is proud to announce our collaboration for the 2010 season with Magic Circle Theatre. Thanks to their generous support, we have joined hands with Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville, CA and will present the all time classic "The Wizard Of Oz."

March 5, 2010
March 6, 2010
March 7, 2010




As the year comes to an end we want to thank you for your support and remind you that your last minute donations in 2009 to SENSE Theatre are tax deductible. SENSE Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and our work relies solely on donations from caring and benevolent people like you. It makes SENSE to make a magical difference in a child's life today!

Donate to support our SENSE Theatre efforts - http://www.sensetheatre.com/donations.html

Warm wishes,
Blythe and the SENSE Team

Blythe Corbett, Ph.D.
Research Director
SENSE Theatre
www.sensetheatre.com

SENSE Theatre - A Stage Of Hope For Children With Autism

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