The Wallis & The Miracle Project Partnering for New Education Programs

The Miracle Project, a performing arts nonprofit for all abilities and disabilities, is partnering with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts to present two education programs, The Miracle Project Live! and The Intimidation Game. The collaboration, which launched on Jan. 11, offers fully inclusive performing arts workshops that culminate in public performances at The Wallis in May 2016.

Ten students were selected to participate in the first session of The Miracle Project Live!, forming a unique performance troupe comprised of individuals with and without disabilities. During an eight-week session that began on Jan. 19 and continues through March 15, students learn audition skills and vocal techniques that allow them to be competitive within the theater community. Performances will be staged, choreographed, and rehearsed at The Wallis, with a parent group present to assist at classes. A second session of The Miracle Project Live! begins March 29 and continues through May 17. A fundraiser performance, benefiting The Miracle Project, and featuring participants from both sessions will be presented at The Wallis in May 2016. For audition information regarding the second session and the benfit performance, please email ryan@themiracleproject.org.

The Intimidation Game brings together fourteen young adults with and without autism and other disabilities to perform an original anti-bullying musical. The musical, about students in high school, aims to help others understand autism and neurological differences, as well as teach tolerance, compassion and inclusion. The program that began on Jan. 19 meets every Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at The Wallis to workshop, stage, and rehearse The Intimidation Game culminating in a public performance at the Lovelace Studio Theater in May 2016. Ticket information and pricing forthcoming.

"Our students deserve the best environment to bring out their voices and talents," said Miracle Project founder Elaine Hall. "The Wallis is the best of the best and provides the visibility to enhance community awareness of inclusion, possibility and joy. It's a dream come true!"

"The Wallis is dedicated to including and celebrating people of all abilities and disabilities on our stages, in our classrooms and in our audiences," said Mark Slavkin, Director of Education. The Wallis and Deaf West Theater received national recognition for their co-production of Spring Awakening performed simultaneously in American Sign Language and spoken English, and which transferred to Broadway directly from the engagement at The Wallis.

As seen on AUTISM: The Musical, HBO's double Emmy award-winning documentary, The Miracle Project Live! is comprised of individuals with and without disabilities creating and rehearsing original songs to perform at venues and events around Los Angeles. Previous engagements have included performances at CBS Los Angeles' "Stephanie's Day," Club Nokia with Temple Grandin, the Pantages Theater and the World Special Olympics.

In a recent study sponsored by the NEA, The Miracle Project was identified as an evidence-based intervention program in easing anxiety, increasing confidence, and self-esteem for those on the autism spectrum. The Miracle Project has inspired similar programs throughout L.A., in New York City, and across the U.S. Selected by LA Parent as Editor's Choice, The Miracle Project has been lauded by Autism Speaks, Autism Society of America, the HollyRod Foundation, The United Nations and Autism experts including Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Barry Prizant and T. Berry Brazelton for its innovation and inclusion methodologies.

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