The Magic of Theatre & Autism

ROSEVILLE, Calif., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- SENSE Theatre - in collaboration with Magic Circle in Roseville, California - are now off to see the Wizard in their new musical production of Wizard of Oz. SENSE Theatre is a unique theatrical intervention research program designed to improve the social and emotional functioning of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

As Dorothy might say, there's no place like SENSE Theatre to provide a home to children with autism spectrum disorders. However, this is no ordinary trip down the yellow brick road -- this truly is a magical experience for children with autism. SENSE Theatre has partnered with Magic Circle Theatre, to put 15 children with autism spectrum disorders on the stage with 30 youth actors from the Master Class production, who serve as peer models and fellow cast members.

Founder, Blythe Corbett, Ph.D. exclaims, "We are grateful for the support of Magic Circle who is providing the stage, production costs and hospitality to bring the mission of SENSE Theatre center stage, which we hope to be the first of many collaborative productions." In her "day job," Corbett is an associate professor at the University of California, Davis M.I.N.D. (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute. Along with the SENSE lab, her team aims to show how art and science can merge to create an ideal environment to learn how to communicate, socialize and express themselves.

"My sons showed me things I never knew they were capable of doing," says parent Kristen Byrne who has two sons enrolled in the SENSE Theatre program. "One night during a performance my son Ethan spotted me in the audience and after the end of one of the songs he ran off stage into the audience and with a huge grin he said, 'Mom, I did it!' The joy of seeing him feel so accomplished and proud was worth it all. SENSE Theatre truly is a stage of hope."

While the Tinman is in search of his heart, the participants of SENSE Theatre can easily find an abundance of it through the valiant efforts of this unique non-profit intervention program that utilizes professional volunteers and peer models to train and support the children with autism to adapt to the world through theatre. There truly is no place like SENSE Theatre to provide a home to children with autism.

The Wizard of Oz will premier March 5th and 6th at 7:30 pm and March 7th at 2:30 pm for their closing matinee performance at Magic Circle Theatre, 241 Vernon Street in Roseville. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.mcircle.org/shows/wizard_of_oz_sense/index.html. For more information, please visit http://www.sensetheatre.com.

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SOURCE SENSE Theatre Project