This class is designed to help neurodivergent tweens develop confidence and social skills through the art of improvisation. This class provides a safe and supportive environment for participants to explore their creativity and practice communication and collaboration.

Neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of conditions and experiences, including but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression. In this class, we welcome and celebrate all forms of neurodivergence, recognizing that each individual has unique strengths and challenges.

The curriculum is tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals and focuses on building skills such as active listening, nonverbal communication, and adapting to new situations. Participants will learn to use their unique strengths and perspectives to create compelling characters and scenes on the spot.

Throughout the class, students will work on developing their ability to:

Think creatively and quickly
Work collaboratively with others
Build confidence in themselves and their abilities
Use nonverbal communication to convey emotions and intentions
Adapt to changing situations
Understand and manage their own emotions and reactions
The class will be taught by experienced instructors who have training in working with neurodivergent individuals. They will create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable participating and expressing themselves.

In addition to improvisation games and exercises, the class will also include opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences and discuss any challenges they may face. This class aims to be a positive and supportive space for neurodivergent  
preteens to develop their skills and find joy in the art of improv.

This class is learner directed but some topics we might cover include:

Character Development - Building strong, believable characters is an essential part of improvisation, and in this class, we will focus on developing techniques for creating memorable characters on the spot. We will learn how to create characters with unique quirks, mannerisms, and backstories, making them engaging and fun to watch.

Scene Work - In this class, we will learn the art of creating strong, engaging scenes through various exercises and games. We will learn how to build scenes from scratch and keep them moving forward, using the skills we have developed in the previous classes.

Collaboration - Collaboration is key in improvisation, and in this class, we will develop the skills necessary to work effectively with others in the group. We will learn how to listen, support, and build on each other's ideas, creating scenes that are rich in detail and nuance.

Adaptation - In this class, we will focus on developing our ability to adapt to the needs of the scene as they arise. We will learn how to think on our feet, make quick decisions, and pivot the scene in new and unexpected directions, keeping the scene moving forward and engaging for the audience.

Active Listening - In this class, we will focus on developing our ability to actively listen to our fellow improvisers, which is an essential skill for successful improvisation. We will engage in various games and exercises that will help us sharpen our listening skills and become more responsive to the needs of the scene.

Nonverbal Communication - In this class, we will work on developing our nonverbal communication skills, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. We will learn how to convey meaning without words, which is a crucial aspect of improvisation.