FROM SUPER TO STAR

TOP's "Expression Exploration"
@ Stone Belt Inc in Bloomington, IN

Purpose:
To explore dramatic arts as a therapeutic process and to facilitate expression of artists with special needs.

Objectives:
TOP will work with Stone Belt clients to establish mutually desired goals in the artistic medium of theatrical arts, and together they will determine appropriate steps to achieve those goals. TOP will utilize theatre games and dramatic art activities to fulfill various therapeutic goals like self-esteem building, teamwork development, and positive self and group expression. TOP will provide a structure for a performance at the end of the summer session that includes identifying what stories the clients would like to tell, how they want to tell it and who they want to tell it to. TOP will also document and record the outcomes of various activities in order to develop a knowledge base for further outreach efforts and collaboration with Stone Belt and other social service agencies with similar missions and/or philosophies.

Methods:
* Facilitate 2-hour dramatic arts "Expression Exploration" sessions throughout a 10-week Artist-in-Residency program.
* Develop program goals based on objectives identified by Stone Belt clients that utilize TOP's inclusive collaborative ensemble artwork.
* Identify themes and stories of importance to clients.
* Encourage teamwork building to develop a group presentation.
* Learn methods of storytelling including improvisation, singing, dancing & miming
* Produce a dramatic arts showcase or ensemble play that includes as many clients as would like to participate.