ITP: A Neurodiverse Performing arts program

a one-of-a-kind performing arts program for children and adults with developmental and intellectual Disabilities

ITP was established in 2014 by Executive Director Maria Banda-Rodaz and offers a specially designed and adaptive curriculum to students ages 5 through adult. Services include group and private classes (voice, dance, acting) and musical productions, on site and at partner locations in Miami-Dade County. While its primary purpose is to provide such students with high-quality training in the performing arts, the benefits that ITP offers also stretch far beyond the stage. This program serves as an important gateway to autonomy and independence, and ultimately to living a more productive and fulfilling life. So often, participants like those served by ITP are negatively defined by their differences and disadvantages; but when they are instead embraced for their unique strengths and abilities, the sky truly is the limit as far as what is possible. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Making a Difference with Song and Dance

ITP is a one-of-a-kind theater training program designed to empower students with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Our unique methodology is focused solely on our student's progress, allowing instructors to tailor their approach based on each student's unique needs and abilities.

Empowering Our Community

The ITP program serves over 350 student actors from across South Florida who are eager to expand their talents.

ITP-trained coaches also travel to local partner schools to provide on-site outreach classes for individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore and access their abilities through the arts.

WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED,
AND WHY IT MATTERS

Both we at ASC and the families of our students have often been amazed by the progress these children can make when treated with respect and professionalism rather than condescension or disdain. Nine students who began our program mute have emerged singing, and plenty of others have made new friends, discovered new talents, and gained a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute to the creation of a genuinely incredible work of theatre. 

Access to the healing power of creativity and self-expression should never be limited to those who measure up to a certain standard; and often, those who are the least conventional are among those who have the most to gain from having an artistic outlet. As one student put it, 

“What ITP means to me is life”— yet the students themselves are not the only ones who benefit. The families of the students who make great strides in ITP may also reap a great many rewards from watching their children’s  progress, and the neurotypical conservatory students who get a chance to work with ITP actors during the course of our productions are also afforded the opportunity to learn empathy and acceptance through their experience. 

Finally, the program’s existence is also to the benefit of the community as a whole. Along with the chance to showcase their efforts in our productions, our ITP students also get the chance to share their talents with the wider world at an average of ten events per year in our community outreach performances. 

Previously, these performances have taken place at events including the Coral Gables Arts Festival, the All Kids Included Family Arts Festival, and ArtsLaunch at the Arsht Center, to name just a few. 

Along with allowing for further engagement for our students, events like these can serve to make audiences more understanding of the obstacles faced by students with special needs, as well as more aware of the capacity of disabled individuals to transcend those obstacles and serve as valuable members of our community. And we hope that this, in turn, can eventually help make that community a more accepting one overall.