Second City Teaches Improv to Students With Autism
When you think of The Second City, you might think big names, bright lights and loud, roaring laughter. But for the world-famous comedy company, sold-out shows are not all they have to offer.
On a Friday evening, inside the theatre’s training center, several students trickle in for their weekly improvisational theatre class. This class, specifically, is for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The small group of young, male students are animated and lively as they warm up for class with games: one that requires them to memorize silly sounds and gestures made by the other students; another where they try to act out adjectives while moving around the room.
“At Second City, many people use improvisation to prepare for a career in comedy,” says Kerry Sheehan, President of Second City Training Centers and Education Programs. “That’s obviously what we’re known for, but the study of improvisation has a million other benefits both personally and professionally.”
Improvisation classes reinforce social skills that many people take for granted, such as effective listening, eye contact and making appropriate social responses, Sheehan says. While in class, she says students with ASD can practice social skills in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment.
Second City has been hosting their ASD-specific classes for just over a year. They offer them to both teens and adults.
“It’s a passion project of mine and the company really stands behind this initiative,” Sheehan says.
According to Sheehan, the training center changes very little between the ASD and mainstream class curriculum. The training center bases its curriculum off the teachings of the famous theatre educator Viola Spolin, who designed improvisation lessons for immigrant children in Chicago to help them acclimate.
Leading these classes are teachers Nick Johne, an alumnus of Second City’s training program and professional actor from one of Second City’s resident stages, and Molly Fisher, who has a degree in speech and theatre, and works in the field of special education...
Read the full story at Make It Better.
http://makeitbetter.net/philanthropy/second-city-teaches-improv-to-students-with-autism/
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