The Center for Applied Drama and Autism 1501 S Hawkins Ave. Akron, OH 44320 For theatre teaching artist, educators and those who work with special needs populations: March 16 Training Workshop Join us for 6 hours of hands-on professional development in inclusive and accessible applied drama techniques designed to enhance social and emotional development. The Center for Applied Drama and Autism is offering a series of workshops for teachers to be taught by co-founders Laura Valendza and Wendy S Duke. The workshops will cover methods and techniques for working with youth and adults on the autism spectrum and other special needs populations. The workshops will take place at CADA’s studio located at 1501 S Hawkins Ave. Each 6-hour workshop focuses on a specific topic: March 16, 2019: Physical acting for body language understanding and communication. Learning to read facial and body expressions is a challenge for many of our students. Through use of applied drama exercises and games, along with mask work, our students can enhance their communication skills. June 22, 2019: Improv for Autism/Special Needs Sept 7, 2019: Emotion games/exercises for self-advocacy and dealing with bullying Workshops begin at 9 AM and end at 4 PM with a full hour lunch break between sessions. Bring your own lunch or partake of area restaurant options: Subway, Nicole’s Restaurant, Primo’s Deli, Burger King, MdDonalds.) CADA students and volunteers will be on hand to assist with the training. Ample hand-outs will be available for participants to take home. Cost of workshops: 6 hours @$150 each. Scholarships available for those who are interested in joining our staff as we prepare to roll out drama classes for special needs students in the 2019-2020 school year. Contact us at 234-678-7830 or by email at info@centerforada.org to enroll and/or for further information. Laura Valendza is an intervention specialist and a professional actor. Wendy Duke is a drama and autism specialist who is program director for Theatre on the Spectrum, a day theatre program for adults with special needs. Duke and Valendza have presented drama and autism workshops at Milestones National Autism Conferences, Very Special Arts Intersections conferences, National Autism Society and Greater Akron Autism Society. *Wendy Duke* Co-Founder, *The Center for Applied Drama and Autism* Program Director, *Theatre on the Spectrum Adult Day Company, Ardmore Inc* email: wendy@centerforada.org <laura@centerforada.org> telephone: 330.687.4177 web: centerforada.org