School Residencies
This program was originally designed for students with disabilities. Students are invited to participate by drumming, but also by listening, touching drums, using drum patterns to substitute for verbal language and more. Any means of student expression is welcome – most drum, but many rock to the beat, dance, sing, feel vibrations and/or express on their faces how they are “Feelin’ the Beat.”
Young Playwrights Project
By design, this program considers that students all learn differently and therefore need different types of support. Here are some examples of how this is done:
- The approach moves from large group experiences towards individual self-expression, scaffolding skill development to provide a sense of safety and belonging as a foundation for learning.
- Teachers are provided resources and training to adapt materials as they know it works best for their students, including allowing them to work in groups, for an adult to serve as scribe for students with physical writing limitations, and more.
- Playwriting materials are presented in formats that are adaptable for classroom instruction and individualized support.
- Open space for brainstorming presented to allow students to develop their ideas in words, pictures, colors.
- Play submission options that allow for digital or handwritten work.
- Clear guidance is provided to teachers to encourage academic rigor, with encouragement that there are multiple ways the playwriting goals could be achieved.
- For students with verbal and written communication challenges, drawing pictures of characters and plot lines is encouraged.
- For some classrooms, rather than writing full plays, students develop characters and settings, then when Teaching Artists visit in Phase 2, they improvise plays using those ideas, asking the entire classroom to provide input as they collaborate.
Opera in the Schools
- Schools are encouraged to include all students in the all-school performance, and to share how best students in Special Education classrooms can participate in the classroom lesson.
- Students are provided guidance on how to be encouraging audiences, listening to the best of their ability, clapping to show enthusiasm – with an understanding that students react to musical stimulus differently, and all manners of expression are welcome and encouraged.
- Care is taken in the production of the opera to avoid sudden loud sounds that could reduce accessibility for sound-sensitive students.
- Operas presented include themes that underscore the importance of working together through differences, being kind, being a good friend – modeling key skills that support an inclusive environment.
Explore Chautauqua Field Trips
- Footprint for activities as small as possible to support those with mobility challenges.
- Teachers are asked in advance for accommodations needs.
- Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet Field Trip is a healthy environment for students with disabilities to experience the arts:
- Amphitheater seating that allows for easy exit should students need a break.
- Accessible seating areas and restrooms.
- Lots of space to move around.
- Seating location can vary to accommodate vision and hearing needs.
- Summer Field Trips are customized to ensure student needs are met, working closely with program administrators to design appropriate activities.