Jumping Jack Theater, a children's theater production company in Pittsburgh, PA, creates original works for audiences that would benefit from sensory and autism-friendly strategies. Jumping Jack Theater strives to connect with Autistic audiences and the Autism community in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We will...
ENGAGE audiences by revealing multiple pathways on which to explore a common experience.
ENRICH this common experience by featuring real-world achievements and challenges in a theatrical context.
EMPOWER audiences to bolster their agency and be active participants in creative self-expression.
Their 2016/2017 production season will include one travelling box show AND a full-scale theatrical production.
Each performance will include:
- Interactive moments when our audience participates in and contributes to the show
- Whimsical and puppets, props, and sets designed specifically for sensory exploration
- An original script developed collectively by the Jumping Jack team
- Original music composed
specifically for each show
- Social skill and communication supports
- Team-tested autism and sensory engagement strategies
- Pre- and post-show materials for families and classrooms to prepare for our shows and continue the learning after they leave.
OUR PROCESS:
The Jumping Jack creative team will lead in-school Artist Residency Projects in autism-support and life skills classrooms, as well as, offer theatre engagement workshops for families in the Pittsburgh community.
These in-school residencies and community events are essential as they will be used to workshop potential story ideas and production elements to create theater specifically designed to engage and support special audiences. In turn, Jumping Jack Theater will provide the students, family members, and teaching staff valuable theatre arts tools and experiences to help foster communication, socialization, and creative self-expression.
We are currently working with students at Borland-Manor Elementary School in the Canon-McMillan School District through an Artist Residency Project with Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the PA Council on the Arts.
WHERE WILL YOUR DONATION GO?
Your donation will help us successfully fund the production process and provide necessary resources to successfully market our shows to schools and families. Your tax-deductible contribution will go directly toward:
- Set materials and production
- Prop/Puppet materials and construction
- Costume materials and production
- Musician fees for original compositions and recording time
- Artist stipends for actors and production team
- Space rental for rehearsals, performances, and family engagement workshops
- Administrative fees to develop marketing materials and build our audience through social media, networking events, and mailings
- Professional development opportunities for our team
Learn More: http://www.jumpingjacktheater.org