Add Drama and Music to your Special Needs Classroom

Professional Development: Online, Asynchronous and Self-paced

• 5 Continuing Education Units Version
• 3 Continuing Education Units Version
• Google Classroom Platform

This creative, asynchronous online Professional Development course is intended for educational theatre troupes, teachers, teaching assistants, parents, paraprofessionals, therapists, aides and administrators who work with young people with special needs, ages 4 to 21.

Online participants will acquire skills in conducting creative drama and music activities for students who have a wide range of disabilities, as well as abilities. When you employ these newly acquired inclusive skills, your students will gain much improved communication, self-esteem, cooperation and a sense of fun.

Highlights include Universal Design for Learning, Multiple Intelligences, National Core Arts Standards, lesson plans, quizzes and ongoing communication with your online instructor via the assignments.

This course was crafted by Leslie Fanelli, Executive Director of the Arts Education Company, Theatre in Motion, honored by the Kennedy Center and part of the Tony Award-winning team at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

If you wish to enroll or obtain more information, please email: lfanelli@theatreinmotion.com. Please type “Online Drama Interest” in the subject line or call 908.723.0564.

There is also a non-credit version for anyone from other career circles, who is interested in the course but does not wish to pursue Continuing Education Units.

“This is a fantastic resource that all teachers can benefit from! These tools will help bring classrooms to life through the use of music and drama. Through this Google Classroom, I have been inspired to take some of these approaches and apply them to my teaching. These lessons build self-confidence, involve students in the learning, and promote positive and creative peer interaction. I would love to see this style of teaching used more in classrooms.”  WATCH HERE —Adam Ziering, actor and SPED teacher, South Orange-Maplewood, NJ, School District

“This course provides a substantial amount of quality activities, resources, and research. The lesson plans are thorough and provide many modifications and teaching materials which will prove useful when teaching students with disabilities. Self-esteem, strengthened communication skills, and pure joy are just some of the outcomes. I can attest that these activities can change a life.” —Molly Zervoulis, actress and Masters of Science in Teaching Exceptional Adolescents, Fordham University Special Education Teacher: Bayonne Board of Education, NJ

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND @ UCPAC IN RAHWAY

2ND ANNUAL SHINING STARS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR WHEN: Thu Dec 05, 2019 7:00 PM WHERE: UCPAC Mainstage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway, NJ GET TICKETS It’s the holiday show of the season that you won’t want to miss!! Shining Stars Network, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, will once again shine the light on the special needs community—when they present their 2nd annual “Shining Stars Christmas Spectacular”—starring a talented special needs cast and their high school “buddies” singing and dancing to the songs of the season! No stranger to the UCPAC main stage or near sellout audiences, a cast of 40 special needs stars have taken the main stage at UCPAC for our annual “Evening of Shining Stars Talent Show” the past two years while dazzling an audience of more th... Elf: The Musical WHEN: Dec 06, 2019 - Dec 15, 2019 WHERE: UCPAC'S Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton St., Rahway GET TICKETS Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. The Pixie Dust Presents production arrives just in time for the holidays! Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. RSI Bank presents ORCHESTRA OF ST. PETER BY THE SEA WHEN: Sat Dec 07, 2019 8:00 PM WHERE: UCPAC Mainstage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway, NJ GET TICKETS The Jersey Shore's favorite orchestral ensemble is back by popular demand! It's another season of absolutely entertaining concerts, conducted by the "must-see Maestro," Father Alphonse Stephenson. The musicians represent some 750 collective years of study, 684 teachers and 57,000 concerts and recitals. Two Nutcrackers WHEN: Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:00 PM WHERE: UCPAC Mainstage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway, NJ GET TICKETS Two Nutcrackers, one spectacular holiday concert. Join us at UCPAC for Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker performed by the NJYS Youth Symphony and Ellington’s Nutcracker performed by the combined NJYS Jazz Orchestra and Youth Symphony. Helen H. Cha-Pyo and Julius Tolentino, Conductors. After opening with Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride, the 80-minute holiday spectacular of Two Nutcrackers will feature each of the eight movements of the beloved holiday tale alternating between the symphony and jazz orchestras onstage together. “More than just a fun concert, the Two Nutcrackers is an exciting educational project for our young musicians on how creativity at its highest form can bring together two completely different worlds: the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, a 19th century Romantic composer juxtaposed with the genius of Duke Ellington, one of the creators of the American big band sound of the 20th century,” says Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo. “It’s rare for a youth symphony to be able to program such a concert, mainly because not many youth organizations have a Jazz program capable of executing this repertoire. Both versions of The Nutcracker are extremely challenging technically and stylistically. It has been my personal dream to present such a concert for a long time, and I am thrilled that we are able to share this side-by-side performance this season.” Says Julius Tolentino, Director of NJYS Jazz, “The challenge for the NJYS Jazz Orchestra, now in its second year, is that Ellington's Nutcracker is a very long work. We typically perform 10-12 pieces during a season, and this year we are playing 8 movements and 3 other challenging pieces in less than half that time. It is an ambitious undertaking, but the students have proven they are up for the challenge.” “It is extremely important and part of the mission and vision of the New Jersey Youth Symphony to continue to present diverse, equitable and inclusive concert programs,” says Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts. “This holiday concert is just one example of how we can bring communities together through innovative programming.” Family Pack Discount is Only Applied to Regular Price Tickets

Chuck Guttenberg Center for the Physically Challenged Presents Annual Special Games Field Day Event and BBQ

Chuck Guttenberg Center for the Physically Challenged Presents

Annual Special Games Field Day Event & BBQ

WHEN: Sunday, September 22, 12-2:30 pm | Opening Ceremony 12:00 noon
WHERE:
ADMISSION: $10 for participants and includes a T-shirt.
If you’re interested in volunteering, participating or sponsoring, please contact Mindy Liebowitz at 201.408.1490 or mliebowitz@jccotp.org

The Chuck Guttenberg Center for the Physically Challenged at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades will host its annual Special Games. This field day provides Individuals with disabilities, ages 4-70, with the opportunity to engage in physical activity and interact with others in a friendly, supportive environment. Activities include soccer kick, golf putt, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse throw and other fun events. Nearly 200 athletes and volunteers will gather on the JCC fields to participate in this popular event and celebrate their success with a lively, end-of-day kosher barbecue with DJ entertainment. Event will be held rain or shine.

“The Games are a volunteer run event and a wonderful experience for everyone who gets involved, so we encourage people to both participate and volunteer,” says Guttenberg Center for Special Services Director Shelley Levy. “All participants receive ribbons for every event, and the enthusiastic volunteers who help and cheer them on provide a sense of community, giving these athletes a great sense of accomplishment and pride.”

Special Games is held by The Chuck Guttenberg Center for the Physically Challenged, established by Adele and Bill Guttenberg in loving memory of their son, Chuck. It provides vital services for children, teens, and adults with autism, as well as numerous developmental and physical challenges.

LONJ PRESENTS ASL-Interpreted “Amahl” IN BASKING RIDGE

WHEN: November 30 & December 1, 2018, 5 PM and 7:30 PM both nights
WHERE: St Mark's Episcopal Church, 140 South Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge
Tickets at  www.lonj.org or by calling 908-655-6023.

LONJ kicks off its season with Gian Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors, directed by Joanna Hoty Russell with musical direction by Lois Buesser.

First commissioned for television and premiered by NBC Television Opera Theatre in 1951, Amahl has become a treasured part of many families' holiday tradition. A poor young boy is awakened in the middle of the night by a knock on the door, and who should he find but three kings following a star. This one-act opera emphasizes generosity and the importance of family, and is the perfect performance to start off your holiday season. LONJ proudly presents Amahl for the fifth time in the company's 24 year history.

LONJ is thrilled to be collaborating with the New Jersey Youth Chorus for the first time. Under the direction of Tara Postigo, the New Jersey Youth Chorus' Sola Voce ensemble will perform a special concert of seasonal selections before each Amahl presentation.  

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS TO BE ASL-INTERPRETED

Reserve tickets near the interpreter at our 7:30 performance on Friday, November 30 by calling Amy at 908-655-6023 or emailing amy.liu@lonj.org. Admission is reduced to $12 for two tickets for our Deaf Patrons. 

SHOW FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SET @ RRVCC PLANETARIUM

The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium presents

The Sky Above

WHEN: Saturdays, January 7 and February 4. Both shows will begin at 5 p.m. and last for approximately 45 minutes.
WHERE: The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
TICKETS: $8 per person.
Seating is limited and reservations are strongly suggested.
For additional information and to make reservations, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

The astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. The show is being presented with support from PNC Institutional Investments.

The sensory-friendly show, which is appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to everyone. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark) and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. The show will include music, laser lights, stories and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations. All material will be presented on a very basic, kindergarten level.

Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. Serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for close to 50 years, RVCC is an educational and cultural center that is nationally recognized for its innovative programming, service to the community and environmental leadership. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, professional development and personal enrichment courses. The College also has a performing arts center and planetarium.

RVCC is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

IMAGE: Jane Murphy’s “Moon Rock” song is included in The Sky Above show at the RVCC Planetarium.

LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY PLAYERS TO OFFER PERFORMANCE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN & THEIR CHAPERONES

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
based on the Peanuts © comic strip created by Charles Schultz

WHEN: Thursday evening, October 27th at 7:30 p.m. 
WHERE: Eisenhower Corporate Campus, 290 West Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ
TICKETS: suggested donation for tickets is $5 per person. 
The theater is handicapped accessible with ample free parking. 
There is no food or drink allowed inside the theater, but will be allowed in the lobby area.

Livingston Community Players is pleased to invite youngsters with special needs and their chaperones to a performance of the Broadway musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.  The show is based on the Peanuts ^© comic strip created by Charles Schultz.  It is a series of vignettes whose main focus is Charlie Brown, a little boy full of self-doubt, fear and hope.  With the help of his friends he learns to accept his own shortcomings and see the humanity in others.

bergenPAC PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL PRESENTS EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC Presents

Educational Workshops for Children with Special Needs

bergenPAC Performing Arts School located at 1 Depot Square, Englewood, NJ announces educational workshops for children with special needs at the Felician School for Exceptional Children located at 260 Main St in Lodi, NJ. The artist-in-residence workshops are offered by the Limitless Arts Program at bergenPAC as part of the beyond bergenPAC outreach program. For more information: Renee Redding Jones, Limitless Arts Program Director, 201-482-8194 or rjones@bergenpac.org.

WHAT & WHEN:

• February 18th: Guitar Group & Rock Band combined at 9:15am
• March 9: Guitar Group at 9:15am
• April 13th: Guitar Group at 9:15am
• April 27th: Hip Hop Beat Box at 12:30pm
• May 6th: Spring Performance

The workshops are an expansion of what bergenPAC had begun last summer as a free one day performance and workshop (featuring Hip Hop Connection), via a grant provided by the Kennedy Center. As a result of the students’ response to the performance and workshops held on July 30th, 2015, The Felician School and bergenPAC began the new Artists-in-Residence workshops for the spring of 2016 in the Felician School.

"The residency at the Felician School speaks to the uniqueness and diversity of what Limitless Arts offers in content and format.  We can certainly go into a school, and create and administer a program.  However there are many schools, like Felician, that have existing programs and staff.  The music therapist at Felician understood the benefit of our partnership.  She knew exactly what and how she wanted to use our artists and together we created a residency that has enhanced the skills of the students, increased their level of involvement and renewed their enthusiasm!" said Renee Redding Jones, Limitless Arts Program Director.

The Felician School’s music therapist, Barbara Giaquinto MT-BC, created the Guitar Group and Rock Band program in the school, educational music classes which help support children with special needs. With the new artist in residence program offered by the bergenPAC, the Felician School will now receive support to build and expand the instrumental, vocal, and dance skills introduced in the summer workshop, in addition to those previously taught by their music therapist. The participants are all current students in the Felician school, Limitless Arts music therapist, Samantha Colon (Sam), and Barbara Giaquinto, Felician’s music therapist.

“Our Felician School music program was taken to a whole new dimension! Renee’s dynamic “jump- right -in” choreograph techniques got our students moving and connecting in the music. Sam’s presence with our students and her intense and calm therapeutic music skills allowed them to express themselves with joy.  Thank you, Limitless Arts!” said Barbara Giaquinto.

During the artist in residency program, bergenPAC will also be co-creating and rehearsing content for the school's spring concert. The Rock Band group will also be given the chance to perform in an outdoor concert that will be open to the public. In addition, the Guitar Group will be featured in a documentary created by Barbara Giaquinto and shown on May 6th.

Rock Band/ Guitar Group: This workshop gives students who have musical skills an opportunity to enhance those skills and experience what it feels like to be in a rock band! Teaching Artist will help assist Music Director with existing music, songwriting, and music introduction. This will include working with your current Guitar Group.

IMAGE: Felician School students participate in the January 13, 2016 Guitar Group workshop (Photos Courtesy of bergenPAC.)

Hip Hop Workshop: Students will meet to build skills using the components of hip hop. They will learn the inner workings of a hip hop performance, such as Rapping, Break Dancing, Popping, Scratching, and improvisation.

About Limitless Arts
bergenPAC’s Limitless Arts program offers classes in dance, music and drama for children and teens ages 2-18+ with special needs. The classes run in collaboration with Renee Redding-Jones of The Center for Life and Learning. Classes are taught by trained and experienced professionals and offer small class sizes. Classes run throughout the school year. Registration is accepted throughout the year. Visit bergenpac.org/limitlessarts for details. To enroll now or for more information: (201) 816-8160 x78 or education@bergenpac.org.

About The Felician School For Exceptional Children
The Felician School For Exceptional Children is a private special education school.  It was founded by the Felician Sisters and approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education in 1971.  They have been recognized as a “School of Excellence” by the National Association of Special Education Teachers.  They offer both quality educational programs and vocational training for their students. To contact the Felician School: Dennis Cruz, Principal 973-777-5355

TALENTS OF ARTISTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ON VIEW IN TENAFLY THROUGH DECEMBER

Art for All: Special Talents Art Show

WHEN: through December; Opening Reception: Sun, Dec 6, 1-3 pm
WHERE: Waltuch Gallery at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton St., Tenafly
ADMISSION: free 

Every December, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades sponsors an annual art exhibit featuring the artistic talents and accomplishments of individuals in our community with special needs. This year, more than 200 pieces were submitted for this month-long exhibition from 10 different schools and programs and include framed artwork, as well as drawings, ceramics, fabric sculptures, box sculptures, mosaics, photography and more. Each piece showcases the creative talents of school-aged children and teens, adults, community residents and JCC Special Services Program participants.

“Art for All celebrates not only the creative, artistic talents of these individuals but also the spirit of inclusion that the JCC pride itself on,” says Shelley Levy, Director of the Guttenberg Center for Special Services at the JCC.

The Gallery, which is free and open to the community, keeps the following hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 am - 10 pm; Friday and Sunday, 9 am - 4 pm; closed Saturday.

For more information please contact Mindy Liebowitz at 201.408.1490.