Past Events

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2009

October 1, 2009, Alexander Kasser Theater - LOUDER THAN WORDS – An Autism Benefit

The Office of Education and Community Outreach at Montclair State University , The Autism Center at UMDNJ, and ING presented LOUDER THAN WORDS – An Autism Benefit, on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the Alexander Kasser Theater. The evening included a wine tasting, special awards ceremony, and performances by The Workshop Theatre Ensemble, a musical interlude, and poetry readings.

 Louder Than Words 2009 Picture

Photo includes Jeffrey L. Gitterman, President, Gitterman & Associates, LLC, [far left], and Kendell R. Sprott M.D.,J.D,Acting Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, Interim Director, The Autism Center [far right].

Photo courtesy of McCarthy Productions, Inc.

Proceeds from the evening will support the continuation and expansion of The Workshop Theatre Training Program, now in its third year. In 2007, the College of the Arts at Montclair State University in partnership with the Autism Center at NJMS, developed a program called The Workshop: An Arts Based Model designed to help individuals with an autism spectrum disorder develop and strengthen their social skills as well as enhance their passion for the arts. The program is held on the MSU campus.

August - October 2009 -
The Workshop: An Arts-based Model 2009

The Workshop, as originated in 2007, utilizes a theatre module, designed to reach out to the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community and create opportunities for personal growth through motivational and experiential programming. The project imparts critical skills to the participants and provides systematic, asset-based, and developmental opportunities which leverage core motivations and curiosity. The goal of the initiative is to redefine the way we look at individuals with Autism and let their special talents and abilities lead the way to greater social, vocational, and pragmatic skills. The workshop is designed to increase dialogue and understanding between health and service providers, the arts community, families and individuals with (ASD). Evaluation for the program is conducted through participant surveys, clinical and arts staff observations and parent/caregiver surveys.

Society for Arts in Healthcare 20th Annual International Conference

approaching health creatively

April 22 - 25, 2009

At the 2nd Annual International Film Festival of the SAH Conference, a short documentary about The Workshop received a 2nd Place Award.

 

 

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2007

December 16, 2007,
L. Howard Fox Theatre-

This is what I really think...

The Office of Education and Community Outreach at Montclair State University presents This is what I really think... performed by The Workshop Theatre Ensemble on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 2 p.m. in the L. Howard Fox Studio Theatre. The performance, part of the Arts and Autism Series hosted by the College of the Arts at MSU, is the culminating activity of a twelve week theatre program serving individuals with Autism called "The Workshop". The ten members of the ensemble, ages 18 to 39, have been instrumental in developing this original work under the guidance of a teaching artist-in-residence at the University. Please see ASD Press Release.

September-December 2007 - Activity-based Learning/Research
The Workshop: An Arts-based Model

The Workshop, utilizing a theatre module, is designed to reach out to the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community and create opportunities for personal growth through motivational and experiential programming. The project will impart critical skills to the participants and provide systematic, asset-based, and developmental opportunities which leverage core motivations and curiosity. The goal of the initiative is to redefine the way we look at individuals with Autism and let their special talents and abilities lead the way to greater social, vocational, and pragmatic skills. The workshop is designed to increase dialogue and understanding between health and service providers, the arts community, families and individuals with (ASD). Evaluation for the program will be conducted through participant surveys, clinical and arts staff observations and parent/caregiver surveys. The program will run for 12 weeks September through December. Project made possible in part through a generous grant from Johnson & Johnson and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare

 

September-November 2007 - ARTRAGEOUS Exhibit
Bloomingdale's at Willowbrook

With the objective of creating awareness of Autism, a disorder afflicting approximately 1 in 90 individuals in NJ (the national average is about 1 in 160), we have begun an extensive collaboration with Bloomingdale's and the Autism Center, New Jersey Medical School under CART's arts and health initiative. Bloomingdale's is hosting and sponsoring an art exhibit as part of the lauching of their fall product lines. The exhibit highlights artwork by artists on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

2006

March 3, 2006 - A Journey Toward Peace of Mind
Symposium 2006 at Montclair State University
Conference Center, University Hall

2005

February 2005 - Arts and Health
Symposium 2005 at Montclair State University
Conference Center, University Hall