At PRACE we believe that anyone and everyone can make theatre. More importantly, the skills learned through theatre training offer benefits that spill over into everyday life.
Desiree Smith, our Theatre Production teacher, has been supporting young people with disabilities to develop theatre performance skills for over 20 years. As a young actor, Desiree recognised the way in which theatre training has a powerful capacity to improve the self-confidence and communication skills of people of all ages and abilities.
Hoping to extend these benefits to others, Desiree found her niche when she landed an opportunity to share her craft with physically and intellectually disabled youth.
As Desiree points out: ‘Acting addresses the crux of what many people with intellectual and physical disabilities struggle with every day in society. In practical terms, theatre encourages participants to build skills such as reading body language, producing varied facial expressions and monitoring tone of voice – all skills that can improve the quality of social interactions in the long term.’
Improvisation training alongside acting exercises provide an interactive form of therapy. They offer people with disabilities a safe and enjoyable space in which to improve their communication and social skills.
Places are still open in our 2018 Theatre Production program. Interested in learning more about participating in this friendly, social and supportive program? Please contact Nadine at PRACE on 9462 6077.