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ArtStream

Through collaborative performance and lifelong learning opportunities, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain the skills and confidence to engage with the world. We believe that when people make their own choices and are engaged, stimulated, challenged, and inspired they surpass both their own and others’ expectations.

About this Organization

ArtStream is an inclusive theatre organization. ArtStream’s classes, workshops, and performing companies fuel each student’s imagination, creativity, and focus. And that’s not all. Students improve communication and social skills and develop friendships. Newly discovered talents and capabilities improve self-esteem, poise, and confidence that extend into their daily lives. All students are valued for their creative contributions. ArtStream’s demanding and very entertaining process encourages students to find their voices, discover their creativity and strengths, and perform with confidence! ArtStream programs are open to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), including autism. Participants should be able to function in groups of up to 30 people with 1:4 staffing; independently meet self-care needs; follow directions; and demonstrate respectful, safe behavior at all times. Unless otherwise noted, ArtStream classes and performing companies are open to adults 18+. You do not need to have any acting experience to take a class or workshop.

Services/Opportunities

Classes are accessible, empowering, and engaging. Participants learn performing arts and social skills through inclusive participation. All ArtStreamers are valued for their creative contributions. At ArtStream we work together, learn from each other, and Perform Our Art Out.

Actors develop and perform an original musical. The company votes on a theme, creates original characters, and improvises scenes. Scenes are then scripted to become an original one-act musical to be presented before a live audience.

Actors agree on a theme, and then each actor works with the choreographer and music director to develop solo and small group music, dance, or drama performances.

Featured Work

Photos

Gaithersburg's Inclusive Theatre Company's production of "The Magic Within." Photography by Sherri Holdridge
During the pandemic, ArtStream pivoted to virtual classes via Zoom. After participating in an ArtStream class or performing company, students perceive themselves as markedly improving in both their performance and communication abilities, making new friends, trying new things, and being comfortable working in a group.
This is a photo from ArtStream's Cabaret performance of "Let it Fly."
Classes are accessible, empowering, and engaging. Participants learn performing arts and social skills through inclusive participation. All ArtStreamers are valued for their creative contributions. At ArtStream we work together, learn from each other, and Perform Our Art Out.
Actors develop and perform an original musical. The company votes on a theme create original characters and improvises scenes. Scenes are then scripted to become an original one-act musical to be presented before a live audience.
Gaithersburg's Inclusive Theatre Company's performance of "Somewhere in Showtime."