Whole World and TESG Partner Up for Improv Classes for Youth with Special Needs

Whole World Improv Theatre is thrilled to partner with The Exceptional Student Group (TESG) to provide a home for improvisational acting classes for children and teens with learning disabilities and other learning differences starting Spring 2017. Classes will be held on Saturdays from 3pm-4pm, beginning April 8, 2017; the fee is $99 per month. TESG was founded by Whole World alumnus Andy Jones, and Jones will conduct classes at Whole World Improv Theatre, located at 1216 Spring Street, NW, Atlanta, GA, 30309. Applications for classes are being accepted now; contact founder Andy Jones (ajones-tesg@att.net; 404-697-0198) or visit www.TESGatlanta.com for more details.

Improv classes offered by TESG founder Andy Jones will provide a safe and supportive environment for the youth to explore and improve their confidence in social situations. The classes will alleviate parental concern that their child isn't at ease socially, and will give children an outlet to freely express themselves.

Jones refers to his improv concept as 'ninja therapy'. "Ninja therapy means that the students are learning valuable social skills and life skills in the context of improv comedy-being silly and ridiculous in a comfortable environment-and they don't realize they are learning," says Jones. "The skills they practice performing improv covertly spill over and generalize into their everyday interactions with others."

Practicing improvisational theater is linked with strengthening and encouraging intent listening, spontaneity, appropriate reactions, and controlling emotions. Most people with learning differences struggle with performing appropriate social skills. The Exceptional Student Group will offer a range of these classes to the youth of the special needs community in the metro Atlanta area at Whole World Improv Theatre, located in midtown Atlanta.

ABOUT TESG

The Exceptional Student Group was founded in 2015 by Andy Jones, a veteran special education teacher, a Whole World alumnus, and a member of the Atlanta acting community. For years, Jones aspired to integrate both of his passions, which has resulted in The Exceptional Student Group. The classes offered by TESG welcome children and teens with neurological disorders, autism, PDD, learning disabilities and other learning differences as well as other youth wanting to explore the world of improv acting.

For more information on TESG and the plans they have for these acting classes visit www.tesgatlanta.com.

ABOUT WHOLE WORLD IMPROV THEATRE

Since 1994, Whole World Improv Theatre has been the flagship for Improv Comedy in Atlanta, GA. Our award-winning ensemble, together with our audiences, create a hilarious, theatrical adventure in four shows a week, every week, at our Midtown location. Whole World actors, alumni and students consist of acclaimed voice over and musical artists, writers, directors, and producers for both television and film. We are the artistic home for over 40 company members who serve as performers, crew members, and class instructors.

Whole World Improv is located at 1216 Spring Street, NW, Atlanta, GA, 30309, 404-817-5729.

Our classes and camps for adults and kids offer the most revered, comprehensive, improvisational acting training in the Southeast. Our corporate and private events include customized shows, team building workshops, and pre- and post-show cocktail parties and events.

Whole World is a non-profit improv theatre founded in 1994, providing an artistic home for people of all ages who wish to be educated and grow through this artistic expression, while also cultivating actors to compete on a global stage, and never losing sight of the voice of the community which is the inspiration for our work in our theatre and across the Metro-Atlanta area.