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 Whitney Center 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.

“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 development of the music (melody), song concept, and/or the writing of the lyrics. Dance or movement can accompany the song as the participant prefers, with choreographic suggestions from the directors, musicians, mentors and other participants. The degree to which a participant is involved in the creative process is determined by his/her level of interest and comfort.

Our work together over the 12 weeks culminates in an on-stage choral performance. Each participant presents his/her song along with select musician(s); and the performance may be enhanced (if scripted) with voice and dance by the rest of the Play with Grace Players. Many of these original songs will again be performed in the Fall session of “Taking Flight” Expressive Drama.

Workshop Location: Whitney Center Cultural Arts Center, 200 Leeder Hill Road, Hamden, CT

Participant Tuition: $400 (partial scholarships may be available)



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 Performance & Dinner

Saturday

June 15, 2013   

3:00 pm



Whitney Center Theatre

200 Leeder Hill Road

Hamden, CT

Songs of Life term begins

Mentor Training:

March 19, 3:30-5:30

March 26, 2013 3:30-5:30

Tuesdays: 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11

Rehearsal:

Thursday, June 13

4:30-7 pm

Performance

Saturday June 15, 2013

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 creation, 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.

 



"Taking Flight" Theater Location

Whitney Center

200 Leeder Hill Road

Hamden, CT 



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.