Home Place of Texas, Houston
Mike and June Jones explored many programs across the country for their daughter. They could not find anything to meet her needs so they founded Home Place of Texas in 2002 as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation. To meet the unique needs of their daughter, the Jones established a Community Bible Study in 2002, Residential Program from 2007-2019, and Day Habilitation Program in 2008 located in Spring, Texas. Home Place’s master plan calls for a comprehensive life experience that includes education, socialization, employment, support, and spiritual growth. Throughout June’s 36 years of experience, she and Mike have specifically designed Home Place for higher functioning adults with special needs.
Easter Seals of Greater Houston, Adult LEAD Program
Clients involved in the Easter Seals LEAD (Life Enrichment for Adults with Disabilities) Adult Programs are adults who have experienced barriers with social integration and opportunities due to their physical disabilities. Based in Houston, TX, this program provides a safe environment for adults to socialize with one another and participate in activities enjoyed by all adults.
A.D. Players, Arts for All, Program
Located in Houston, TX, “Academy Arts for All” is an inclusive program which offers those with learning differences a platform to create, express and perform under professional theatrical instruction. Instituted in Summer 2017, this program partners with local Houston area therapeutic and alternative learning institutes to provide student development through the arts. With a focus on teamwork, these courses create a cognitively-challenging environment where students are encouraged to develop creativity and social skill sets. Each course integrates elements of movement, music, vocalization and presentation with the end goal being to build participants’ confidence, community, socialization skills and self-expression.
The River/Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to teach at The River. The students (and theatre artists/teaching assistants/volunteers/staff members) worked very hard to showcase the upcoming TUTS Theatre Season through dance, music, art, and theatre provided by the students.
The River, located in Houston, TX, merged with Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) in 2010. The River offers instructional-based arts classes for individuals with disabilities, ages 4 to adults, as well as their siblings. Students can enroll in a distinct arts discipline that interests them, including music, dance, visual art, and acting. In the summer, The River provides an arts enrichment day camp with week-long sessions focusing on all aspects of musical theatre. These programs culminate in a celebratory opportunity for the students to perform for their family and friends.
B.R.A.V.O. & Independent Case Management
The development of B.R.A.V.O.S. “Vacation Gone Wrong” by the Because I Matter! Acting Troupe took a lot of preparation. The acting troupe developed the characters, dialogue, scene location, plot, obstacles and final outcome of the play. They used their imaginations and freedom to experience (and share) their creativity, risk taking, team building, and many other skills provided through Drama Therapy. I’m very grateful for the Independent Case Management staff members and volunteers that helped this production come to fruition.
The above video features two actors in the production of “Vacation Gone Wrong” by the “Because I Matter! Acting Troupe.” Take a look and see what they’ve learned from Drama Therapy and the importance of creating their own show.
Peyton works five days per week as a drama therapist for BRAVO: Bridging Recreational and Vocational Opportunities. BRAVO is Independent Case Management’s (ICM) day-support program for adults with developmental disabilities that provides activities to help build strong, independent citizens who contribute to their communities. BRAVO also includes hands-on employment training through paid internships in their retail stores, Biscuits and Bamboo.
Easterseals of Arkansas’ Center for Training and Wellness
Peyton has been selected by Arkansas’ Department of Human Services – Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support (DCSNS) for the 2017 Community Service Award for providing drama therapy at Easterseals of Arkansas’ Center for Training and Wellness.
Drama Therapy Production of Easterseals: Speak Up for Yourself
The adults in the Drama Therapy program at Easterseals of Arkansas’ Center for Training and Wellness did a fantastic performance of Speak Up for Yourself! The cast created the storyline and came up with the dialogue for this anti-bullying play. As stated by one of the performers/clients: “I feel displeased sometimes. I feel disrespected. I don’t deserve to be bullied.” And this play represents how to overcome bullying in a positive manner. Great job to F.B.I. (Fair, Behave, and Interact) Acting Troupe!
Drama Therapy production of Easterseals: The Master’s Minds
The development of Easterseals: The Master’s Minds took a lot of preparation. The students developed the characters, dialogue, scene location, plot, obstacles and final outcome of the play. They used their imaginations and freedom to experience (and share) their creativity, risk taking, team building, and many other skills provided through Drama Therapy. The development of this play is proof that Drama Therapy provides many positive elements, especially teamwork and encouragement.
Meet Peyton and Mylon and hear them discuss the benefits of Drama Therapy at the Easterseals of Arkansas’ Center for Training and Wellness!
Mask Making
Group members of the Easterseals of Arkansas’ Training and Wellness drama therapy group completed an exercise on mask making. This exercise was a two part process involving the exterior and interior perspectives of oneself. The exterior represents how each participant thinks the “outer world” see him/herself based on having a disability. The interior reveals how each participant views him/herself. It is a great exercise that explores one’s self worth and self reflection.