Theatre Orangeville

Sharing Recipient Stories

2023 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$2,500

Sharing our grant story

With a Community Grant for $2,500, Theatre Orangeville was able to continue its extraordinary work in offering recreational opportunities in the arts for neuro-diverse youth from grades seven to high school through Theatre Orangeville Exceptional Players (T.O.E.P.) programming.

Through the help of this grant, Theatre Orangeville Exceptional Players (T.O.E.P.) supported members of our Neuro-diverse community through the only skills-based theatrical program, within Dufferin County. T.O.E.P. offers participants who may not feel comfortable in mainstream programming, a safe, non-threatening environment that allows them to participate at their own pace without judgment or pressure. Using music, movement, and collaborative idea generation, participants are encouraged to express themselves and create stories through their movements, dance, dialogue, and use of props. Participants are empowered to grow their social skills, communication skills and self-confidence in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Participants in grades 7 through high school experienced the joy of performing in front of a live audience, in costumes with staging equipment and in the Theatre. By providing them with a true performance experience participants can shine, be admired and accepted by the audience.

For many of the participants, this class is a highlight of the week and often describe their experience as “loving drama class”.

“I love drama!”
“It’s fun being able to express myself!”
“my favourite part is getting to be on stage”

The program enables participants to be included in community initiatives and for them to feel connected. T.O.E.P. has a positive impact by increasing the awareness of abilities of and compassion for members of our neuro-diverse community. Through this grant, we have been able to support these individuals and are committed to continue supporting them into the future.

Theatre Orangeville Exceptional Players (T.O.E.P) runs over the course of eight weeks, twice per year helping to facilitate the development of social skills, communication skills and self-confidence in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through our partnership with Branching Out Support Services (BOSS), the program is also available to those who have moved past the post-secondary level.

Each T.O.E.P season culminates with a public presentation on stage where participants can demonstrate their newly honed skills. This showcase is an integral piece as participants have the chance to not only be in the spotlight, but truly feel the admiration and acceptance of the audience – reaffirming their achievements and confidence. The community is openly invited to attend these presentations and experience the joy, accomplishments, and talent of these incredible individuals. We also build awareness through social media, email marketing and sharing with other organizations supporting neuro-diverse individuals.

Programs Manager
Kait Gallant
kgallant@theatreorangeville.ca

Development Manager
Ingrid Watt
iwatt@theatreorangeville.ca

519-942-3423
www.theatreorangeville.ca