7th STREET CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Promoting Self Expression

The purpose of the 7th St. Centre for the Arts program is to offer innovative supports to people, responding to their hopes and dreams. The program is designed to provide performance opportunities and artistic instruction in the performing arts for people who have cognitive disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, behavioral health concerns, or traumatic brain injuries.

Our goal is to foster creative growth and personal control, while building a sense of purpose, self empowerment, and competent decision making. People will learn how to be a part of the community, not just in it, in an environment of choice, self control, inclusion, and respect.

Participants end up equipped with the skills, relationships, and opportunities that lead to the achievement of hopes and dreams.

Program Design

Theatre is emphasized at the 7th St. Centre of the Arts. People have the opportunity to engage in activities that include music/voice, dance/creative movement, and creative drama. These three mediums are a part of the daily activities at the centre.

The objective is to offer each person the opportunity to do rather than to be done for.

Theatre games promote self-expression without formal guidelines. In a failure-free environment, each persons attempt at solving a problem is valid. Focus is on the process, not the product.

Dance and creative movement develop valuable non-verbal skills in self-expression, as well as promote muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and develop the cardio-respiratory system.

Music and singing enable one to express intimate thoughts, feelings, and concepts. Additional values from creative arts programs include increase in intellectual stimulation, self-esteem, growth toward emotional maturity, and an increase in the ability to work towards long range goals. Staff members have theatrical experience, and participate in all activities and performances, creating an integrated atmosphere.

Performance opportunities develop from the culminations of the workshops, and result in school tours, recitals, and main stage productions. Performances take place in the community and by invitation only to the 7th St. Centre for the Arts. Part-time and full day participation (6 hours/day) are available.