Thousand Oaks, CA - The Acting Academy for Autism is a serious theatre program for high-functioning young people in grades 3 - 12 with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. The new course was designed by teachers who are credentialed in special needs, adults who have autism, student teachers, and theatre training professionals. A project of Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory, the Academy plans to honor the sensibilities of young people with high-functioning autism and provide a safe and fun atmosphere in which they can study theatre. The Spring Session runs from January 30 through April 23, with classes Monday from 4:00 – 5:30.

“This is no different from any other good acting class,” says Elizabeth Angelini, an instructor and one of the Academy’s founders. “Students will gain some greater abilities to overcome social challenges, and self-confidence, while learning the basics of theatre.” Angelini received her degree from Pitzer College and completed Levels I and II Credential as an Education Specialist in Mild/Moderate Disabilities. She has been teaching since 2003 at schools like The Help Group, Tulsa Street Elementary School, Passageway School, and The Dubnoff Center in North Hollywood. Elizabeth was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was 12 years old, and found studying theatre to be an excellent creative outlet.

At the final class, the students will showcase their work: scenes, monologues and theatre history, along with original pieces that they write. Material comes from standard, published plays from 400 BC to the twenty-first century. Classes are capped at ten students, with three teachers per class.

Classes are held at 43 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd, near Moorpark Road in the Discovery Center for Science and Technology. The fee for the twelve week course is $350. For information and to schedule an interview, parents may call 805/427-5314 or email GoldCoastTheatre@Gmail.com. Further information is on the web site www.goldcoasttheatreconservatory.com.

Since 1994 Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory has been giving young people a solid foundation in the basics of theatre. Classes are for the student who values creative expression and supports the powerful idea of process over performance. Professional instructors focus on training, tools and a classic approach to true character development. Students are urged to act, not perform. At Gold Coast, theatre is a group activity, a team sport, a publicly shared journey into worthwhile material and into the self.

Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory is a Not- for-profit organization and a division of Gold Coast Performing Arts Association tax ID 77-0031586