Area Stage Company's Inspire Theatre Project (ITP), founded in 2014, is a one-of-a-kind theatre training program offered completely free of charge to students with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, and Down Syndrome. ITP promotes ASC’s mission of inclusivity and diversity in the performing arts by serving populations with developmental and intell
ectual disabilities. Serving 350+ primarily hispanic students (ages 5-50) from Miami-Dade County, ITP offers classes taught by specialized instructors onsite and at 5 local partner schools. Yearly, students present at least 2 professional theatre productions and multiple outreach performances. Though all ASC Conservatory classes have always been fully inclusive, ITP is focused solely on its students' progress, allowing instructors to tailor their approach based upon unique student needs and abilities. The program originated from ASC's belief that training in the performing arts teaches vital tools for life. ITP trained instructors reach participants through multi-modal classes within the musical theatre medium, assisting in their journey and development as they move towards adulthood. Instructors travel to our five local partner schools, which all specialize in serving developmentally disabled students as well, to provide on-site, outreach classes to individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore and access their abilities through the arts. Instruction also includes ballet according to the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum, taught by ITP Coordinator and certified RAD and dance therapy instructor, Irma Becker.
