Play with Grace, LLC

Established fine artist and therapist Carmelina Mosher developed a unique Expressive Drama program that for over 25 years now, has engaged wide and diverse participation throughout the state of Connecticut.

Due to a widespread interest in having this and other expressive arts programs available to those with special needs (Downs Syndrome, Autism Spectrum, etc.), Carmelina and arts/human services colleagues Jarrod Law and Dianne Pacl formed the Play with Grace arts project, which serves this community of extraordinary people (some of whom are nonverbal). Having seen the considerable value that expressive drama holds for its participants, the team introduced "Taking Flight" Expressive Drama as the first in the Play with Grace program offerings.

This innovative drama program provides participants a unique opportunity to discover a new set of interests and talents, and to build skills and self-confidence. Our mentor and participant partnerships encourage individuals to learn from and support one another in their personal and collective goals.

The spacious and attractive Unitarian Society theater in Hamden serves as a safe and inspiring environment for all of our actors, singers, dancers, artists and technicians.

In this theatrical arena, among fellow creative souls, miracles happen!

Once you have tasted flight,

you will forever walk the earth

with your eyes turned skyward,

for there you have been, and there

you will always long to return.

Leonardo da Vinci

Let's Play Together!

Play with Grace's Expressive Drama program, "Taking Flight," presents an opportunity for you to experience firsthand the excitement of the theater.

Throughout this 12-week program you will create as part of a team, an original theatrical production, culminating in a performance before a live audience.

We will experiment with improvisation, mime, role-playing and theater techniques. We will play simple movement games and explore personal space through mirroring and balance. We will work with real life experience, creative imagination and fantasy to create characters, settings and plots...with music and dance integrated throughout. Whether our production is a tragedy, comedy, romance or mystery, your own unique and valuable contributions will be appreciated by all.

Former participants have been happy to share some of the benefits they've experienced through their involvement with Play with Grace.

• Enhanced Communication Skills  

• Greater Ability to Form Relationships

•  Acquisition of Tools for Cooperation, Self-Control, Stress Reduction

• More Varied Forms of Emotional Expression

• Increased Abilities with Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Risk-Taking, Perseverence

• Increased Memory, Concentration, Coordination

• Greater Level of Confidence and Social Awareness

• Enhanced Enjoyment in Life...

• Taking Flight!

Each participant will identify personal goals and can select tasks and roles of interest within the program:

• Theatrical

• Technical

• Props/Set Design

• Writing

• Music Development

• Music Selection

• Choreography

• Costume Design

• Make-Up

• Advertising (Wavelength Graphics)

• Fundraising

• Sales

• Administrative

JOIN US!

Songs of Life

Musical Performance &Dinner

Saturday, June 16,    5:30 - 8:00pm



Whitney Center Theatre

200 Leeder Hill Road

Hamden, CT



In The News

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"Taking Flight" Expressive Drama

Participants learn about the theater and about themselves. They create original characters and scenes, bringing to the stage their dreams, ideas, philosophies and personal messages to the world. Mentors and staff support each participant in the development of the main and supporting characters, scene choreography, the design and selection of original music, costumes and props. Our work together culminates in a performance, where friends and family can witness the miracles of our work together.

Fall "Taking Flight" Theater Location

Whitney Center

200 Leeder Hill Road

Hamden, CT

 

"Songs of Life" Music Development Workshop & Performance

Musicians, Mentors and Participants come together to create original pieces of music
that capture each participant’s dreams, ideas, philosophies, and/or personal messages to the world. Participants are given the opportunity to assist in the compilation of both the melody and lyrics, with dance or movement accompaniment as preferred. Our work together over 12 weeks will culminate in an on-stage performance, with costumes worn if desired. Participants will perform songs along with select musician(s); and performances may be enhanced with voice/dance contributions from the rest of the Play with Grace Players. Many of these songs will again be performed in the Fall session of “Taking Flight” Expressive Drama.



Spring "Songs of Life" Theater Location

Whitney Center

200 Leeder Hill Road

Hamden, CT 



Spring 2012

"Songs of Life"Workshop & Performance

 Tuition/12 weeks: $350

Mentor Training: Tuesday March 20 Participants & Mentors: March 27; April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, June 12

Tuesdays 3:30-5:30pm

Dress Rehearsal: June 14, 530-8:00pm

Songs of Life Musical Performance & Dinner (Light Fare)

Saturday, June 16,    5:30 - 8:00pm

Play with Grace OFFICE

57 Olive Street, New Haven, CT 06511

(203)494-3348

dpacl@optonline.net

carmelina@playwithgrace.com

Donations:

Donations can be made to our fiscal intermediary:

Partnership for Connecticut Cities, Inc.