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Expanding on traditional role-play
techniques and improvisation, using drama and theater as
a teaching and learning tool, IDEAS strives to bring dramatic
arts as a way of education for youth with disabilities and
other disadvantages. In response to the lack of direct theater
arts experiences for youth with disadvantages and disabilities,
IDEAS offers a variety of drama in education programs. Participants
in I.D.E.A.S.’ programs have the opportunity to creatively
experience a variety of situations through the theater technique
of improvisation. They respond to themes through characters
they create, with props and costumes at hand. All activities
emphasize respect and cooperation and are a catalyst for
personal growth, development and learning.
Programs range from in-school residency
programs for grades 3-12, or ungraded ages 8-21, to after-school
programs in non-school settings. We also offer programs for
adults. We at IDEAS believe that drama offers alternative
learning opportunities to students and teachers, youth and
adults, alike. Our primary focus is young people with disabilities
and other disadvantaged youth, however our programs are enjoyed
by all youth. IDEAS aims to provide an avenue for interaction
in a congenial atmosphere, where students can exercise their
creativity, self-expression, and risk-taking skills in a safe
space while learning about themselves and others. Thus, creating
a theatrical ensemble, where all the players work together.
Our goals include:
- Creating a theatrical context for personal and group learning
- Introducing youth and adults to a variety of drama activities
beyond a script and performance.
- Using drama to spark problem solving skills, individual
as well as group decision-making skills.
- Demonstrating alternatives that compliment traditional
teaching methods and acknowledge different learning styles
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| Populations
we specialize in: |
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- Learning Disabilities
- Developmental Delays including cognitive disabilities
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Blind and partially sighted
- Emotional Issues and Behavioral Problems
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You can make a donation to IDEAS by visiting: 
or call us at 718 387-5055
Photos appearing throughout this website (other than headshots)
taken by:
Ting Chiao
Mitchell Falk
Ramon Fernandez
Jan LaSalle
Carl Sturmer |
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