Humbled.

I consider that word more and more each day – humbled.

How can anybody be humbled at a time like this you ask? I am humbled because I am in awe of our team of instructors at Joshua’s Stage. I am amazed at how each person brings their own unique perspective to carry out the mission of Joshua’s Stage for each individual participant – day in and day out. Each one of our instructors strives to best meet the needs of our participants through their creativity, versatility, patience, and compassion.

The COVID-19 crisis we are currently facing has put our programs as we know them at Joshua’s Stage to a stop. Have our instructors stopped? No. Have they said forget it? No. Our team of instructors has been meeting throughout the past couple of weeks to plan on putting our programs in online environment. They desire for our participants to continue their connection to their instructors, to each other, and to our programs.

Our instructors are moving forward through adversity. They are moving forward with expanding our reach of programs as best as they can. They are moving forward with meeting the needs of our participants.

I am humbled by our team’s collective talents, perspectives, experiences, and by their hearts of gold. I am humbled that they are forging ahead.

We’ll see you soon online, and we’ll all feel a surge of that humility together.

Joshua’s Stage Open House and Resource Fair

Joshua’s Stage is very excited to host our first Open House and Resource Fair, and we would love for you and your family to be a part of it! The Joshua’s Stage Open House and Resource Fair is a wonderful opportunity for you to explore how our innovative The Creative Outlet Method™ can benefit your child.

Experience our program by performing in our Create-A-Story activity for a live audience!

Plus, you’ll meet other fabulous organizations who share our passion. Light refreshments will be provided.

Raffle prizes will be drawn throughout the afternoon.

Register for the free event here.

The Joshua’s Stage Open House and Resource Fair is on Sunday June 10th, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the ZACH Theatre North location, 12129 Ranch Road 620 N, Suite 310, Austin, TX 78750.

For more information about our Open House and Resource Fair, and about Joshua’s Stage, contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

Ready for Summer Camp? Register for our summer camps today!

Spring 2018 Season

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We are excited for our Spring 2018 Season! Registration is open for awesome programs for exceptional individuals . . .

Theatre Arts and More! Grades K-5

Conducted by qualified staff from Joshua’s Stage and ZACH Theatre, your child will engage in fun and meaningful fine arts activities including theatre arts, music, dance, arts and crafts, and digital photography. Your child will have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity while increasing their self-confidence throughout the session. During the Showcase, your child will: perform in an original play; demonstrate their public speaking skills during their photography exhibit, perform an original class-song, and perform an original class-dance. Scholarships and tuition assistance may be available. Please contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org or 512-825-2744. Sundays, January 7-March 4, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ZACH Theatre North Location

$250.00

 

Create-A-Story Production, Ages 3 to 5

Your child will have a blast as he/she experiences theatre arts, digital photography, music, movement/dance, arts and crafts, and the Create-A-Story Production! Your child will star in the Showcase on our last class of the session as he/she demonstrates their creativity and increases their self-confidence while performing for you and your family! Scholarships and tuition assistance may be available. Please contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org or 512-825-2744. Thursdays, January 25-March 30, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Toybrary Austin, 2001 Justin Ln

$250.00

Theatre Arts and More! Grades 6-8

Theatre Arts and More! Conducted by qualified staff from Joshua’s Stage and ZACH Theatre, your child will engage in fun and meaningful fine arts activities including theatre arts, music, dance, arts and crafts, and digital photography. Your child will have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity while increasing their self-confidence throughout the session. During the Showcase, your child will: perform in an original play; demonstrate their public speaking skills during their photography exhibit, perform an original class-song, and perform an original class-dance. Scholarships and tuition assistance may be available. Please contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org or 512-825-2744. Sundays, March 25-May 20, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ZACH Theatre North Location

$250.00

Joshua’s Stage uses our The Creative Outlet Method™. The Creative Outlet Method™ is the process used to enhance every participant’s unique abilities while providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and to increase their self-confidence. To foster and maintain a warm and welcoming environment for everyone, qualified staff and volunteers are trained to implement the CUPSS of The Creative Outlet Method™:

Create – create and conduct activities with our passion for the fine arts=

Unique – celebrate every participant’s unique abilities while recognizing their accomplishments with our “I Feel Good Applause”

Positive – develop and maintain a positive relationship with every participant

Support – support participants so that they encourage each other to achieve their best

Success – provide an environment for every participant to feel successful

 

What is Joshua’s Stage?

Vision:
Children with a wide range of special needs achieve their best from creative experiences through the fine arts in a warm and welcoming environment.

Mission:
Our mission is to enrich the lives of children with special needs by providing the opportunity for each child to demonstrate creativity; develop self-confidence; gain and maintain high self-esteem; and develop long-lasting relationships with children with similar needs in a warm and welcoming environment through fine arts classes, performances, and exhibits.

Instructors:
Our instructors develop and effectively implement fine arts lessons by exhibiting:

  • Strong passion for seeing every child succeed.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Calming effect.
  • Wide-open and welcoming arms to every child and family.
  • Putting the needs of each child first.
  • Wide array of experiences teaching and interacting with children, especially children with special needs.
  • Background and passion for the fine arts in theatre arts, dance, digital photography, filmmaking, and music.

Programs and Activities:
Our programs and activities are conducted with attention to pacing so that every child’s unique abilities and strengths are maximized. A student-centered approach and incorporating positive behavior supports are integral components of our programs. Clear, simple, step-by-step instructions are delivered to support each child’s experience. Each child receives an abundance of verbal praise from our instructors and volunteers, and children compliment and encourage each other during the activities. Our class size is intentionally small so that special attention to each child is provided.

Volunteers:
Our volunteers have passion for children, especially children with special needs, to thrive in an enriching environment. Volunteers support each child’s journey through our programs, and are key ingredients for a successful experience.

The Fine Arts:
The fine arts are the perfect venue for children with special needs to build their self-esteem, increase their self-confidence, and develop their creativity while having fun. For several children with special needs, stretching the imagination can be a daunting and challenging task. At Joshua’s Stage, we make using imagination a safe, non-threatening, easy, and fun event. Each child can tap into their own creative energy through theatre arts, dance, digital photography, filmmaking, music, and arts and crafts. Working together as a class, children foster and encourage each other to go above and beyond their unique abilities.

Community Partnerships:
Partnering with other local community organizations who: enrich the lives of children with special needs; foster fine arts for children, and who instill a love for learning is a strong component for Joshua’s Stage.

  • At the Capitol School of Austin, we conduct programs for children ages 3 to 5, and for children in grades K-5.
  • In collaboration with the Move Your Tale program at ColdTowne Theater, we conduct our middle school improv program.
  • At Toybrary Austin, we are planning to conduct summer camps for children ages 3 to 6 and children in grades K-5.
  • With VELA (Vibrant. Empowered. Limitless. Able), we conducted theatre arts activities for children whose families attend their parent information and support groups.

Joshua’s Stage:
Joshua’s Stage – The Exceptional Experience for the Exceptional Child – is the premiere performance center for children ages 3 to 18 with a wide range of special needs; featuring classes, workshops, camps, performances, and exhibits in theatre arts, dance, digital photography, and filmmaking.

Joshua’s Stage is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. Programs are tuition based, and tuition assistance and scholarships may be available, thanks to our generous donors.

Contact Information:
For more information about Joshua’s Stage contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

https://joshuasstage.org/

 

 

New Session: Theatre Arts for Grades K-5

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We are excited to launch our next awesome theatre arts session for grades K-5!

Children in grades K-5 with a wide range of special needs will have fun exploring puppet and mask making, character development, building-a-scene, taking on the traits of their favorite animal, working as a group to create a production, acting, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to build their self-confidence, increase their self-esteem, work together as a team, and form long-lasting relationship with peers with similar differences, and caring, qualified teachers. Our last class of the session will feature the students performing an original class-designed production.

Sundays May 7th through June 18th
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin, 2011 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756
$200.00

Register Here

Tuition assistance and scholarships may be available.

Come out and meet us on Sunday April 30, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., for the Thinkery Sensory Friendly Hours event. We’ll be conducting super fun theatre arts activities.

We are also gearing up for Theatre Arts for children ages 3 to 5, and Digital Photography for kids in grades K-5. Check out the fun here.

Summer Camps at Joshua’s Stage are around the corner! Your child will have a blast. Check out our Summer Camps here.

Joshua’s Stage – The Exceptional Experience for the Exceptional Child – is the premiere performance center for children ages 3 to 18 with a wide range of special needs; featuring classes, workshops, camps, performances, and exhibits in theatre arts, dance, digital photography, and filmmaking.

For more information about Joshua’s Stage, contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

Upcoming Sessions


“She was able to be more expressive. At home, more creative. Always looking forward to seeing friends. The teacher and classroom assistants displayed tremendous amount of patience and kindness to the kids. We shall try theatre next semester.” – Parent of a student from a digital photography session.

Theatre Arts! Digital Photography!

Click Here to Register Today!

Tuition assistance and scholarships may be available.

Theatre Arts for Ages 3 to 5
Make puppets, roar and crawl like a bear, act out a story like Jack and Jill, and much more!
Sundays May 7 through June 11
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin, 2011 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756

Theatre Arts for Grades K-5
Act! Develop a character, build-a-scene, create a class-designed production you’ll perform for family and friends.
Sundays May 7 through June 11
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin, 2011 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756

Digital Photography for Grades K-5
Explore the world through the lens with landscapes, portraits, texture, perspective, action, and more!
Sundays May 7 through June 11
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin, 2011 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756

Summer Camps at Joshua’s Stage – CLICK HERE To Register!
Theatre arts, improv, dance, digital photography, music, arts and crafts, and more!

Tuition assistance and scholarships may be available. 

Monday May 29 through Friday June 2, Grades K-5, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday June 5 through Thursday June 22, Grades K-5, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin, 2011 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756

Monday June 12 through Friday June 16, Ages 3 to 6, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Toybrary Austin, 2001 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Monday July 10 through Friday July 14, Grades 6-8, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751

Monday July 17 through Friday July 21, Grades K-5, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Toybrary Austin, 2001 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Joshua’s Stage – The Exceptional Experience for The Exceptional Child – is the premiere performance center for children ages 3 to 18 with a wide range of special needs; featuring classes, workshops, camps, performances, and exhibits in theatre arts, dance, digital photography, and filmmaking.

For more information about our upcoming sessions and summer camps, contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

 

Summer Camps at Joshua’s Stage

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Summer Camp Goal
Our summer camp goal is for children with a wide range of special needs to engage in a meaningful experience through fine arts activities in a warm and welcoming environment.

Your Child’s Awesome Experience
We are planning an awesome summer camp experience for each child – with theatre arts, improv, dance, digital photography, music, arts & crafts, and more!

Tuition and scholarship assistance may be available. Contact Joshua Levy at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMPS

A Day At Camp
A day at camp for your child will include fun, fun, and fun! Your child will:

  • Be warmly welcomed with a smile every day
  • Cheer with everyone during the camp cheer
  • Explore his/her creative imagination through lively theatre arts and improv activities and games
  • Shine in a camper-created performance
  • Experience the world through pictures in digital photography while learning to take portraits, using different perspectives, photographing texture, and more
  • Feature his/her photographs in an exhibit
  • Engage in fun and familiar dances like the Chicken Dance, the Hokey Pokey, the Cha Cha Slide, and in original-camper creations, instructor-led choreography, and more
  • Demonstrate their new dance moves in a performance
  • Sing-along to various super-fun familiar and new songs led by our music instructor
  • Create original works of art with arts & crafts
  • Get in some playground time
  • And more!

Go Above and Beyond
Your child will have the opportunity to go above and beyond their unique abilities in a warm and welcoming environment, maintain high self-confidence, form long-lasting relationships with peers with similar needs, and have a blast!

Supportive Staff
We are planning to maintain a supportive staff to camper ratio with experienced instructors, and with junior instructors and volunteers to support the campers.

The Camps
Camp for Ages 3 to 6
Monday June 12 through Friday June 16
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Toybrary, 2011 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757
$250.00

Camp for Grades K-5
Monday May 29 through Friday June 2
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin, 2011 W Koenig Lane, Austin, TX 78756
$275.00

Camp for Grades K-5
Monday June 5 through Thursday June 22
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin, 2011 W Koenig Lane, Austin, TX 78756
$250.00 to $425.00

Camp for Grades K-5
Monday July 17 through Friday July 21
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Toybrary, 2001 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Improv Power Camp for Grades 6-8
Monday July 10 through Friday July 14
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
$275.00

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMPS

Joshua’s Stage – The Exceptional Experience for The Exceptional Child – is the premiere performance center for children with a wide range of special needs; featuring classes, workshops, camps, performances, and exhibits in theatre arts, dance, digital photography, and filmmaking.

For more information about workshops, classes, and camps at Joshua’s Stage, contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

Fun! Exciting! Awesome! Beautiful! Theatre Arts for Grades K-5

Theatre Arts, for children in grades K-5 with a wide range of special needs have the opportunity to demonstrate creativity, develop self-confidence in the classroom and during performances, maintain high self-esteem, form long-lasting relationships with children with similar needs and caring, qualified teachers. Activities include improv games, student-created puppets and masks, pantomime, aspects of theatre such as acting, stage direction, set design, and more!

Sundays, February 26th through April 9th, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Capitol School of Austin
2011 W Koenig Ln
Austin, TX 78756

Please note that there is no class on Sunday March 12th. The sixth class of the six-weeks session includes the student-created performance for families and friends. The session includes an instructor and volunteers to support the students.

Register here

Joshua’s Stage is the premiere performance center for children ages 3 to 18 with a wide range of special needs; featuring classes, workshops, performances, and exhibits in theatre arts, dance, digital photography, and filmmaking.

For questions about the theatre arts session or Joshua’s Stage, please contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director, at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

FULL SPEED

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Our fabulous dance class is performing live during FULL SPEED, on Sunday February 12! JCC Austin Adult Programs and the Austin Jewish Repertory Theater celebrate Jewish Disability and Inclusion Awareness Month with Full Speed, an exciting showcase featuring art created and performed by very special citizens of our world. The afternoon will include performances by Joshua’s Stage, the Austin State Supported Living Center, TILT Performance Group, We Are the Chorus, and other companies from the Austin area with a focus on artists with special needs.

JOIN US FOR THIS FREE PERFORMANCE AND EXPERIENCE THE TALENTS OF AUSTIN’S UNIQUELY-ABLED ARTISTS AT FULL SPEED!

Sunday February 12, 3:00 p.m.
JCC Community Hall Stage
7300 Hart Lane
Austin, TX 78731

Laugh, Learn, and Lead with the Power of Improv

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Joshua’s Stage is excited to announce a collaboration with Move Your Tale,  a collaborative performing arts experience and the opportunity to create, communicate and entertain.

Sundays, March 26th through May 7th, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751

Students with a wide range of special needs in grades 6-8 will engage in the free-flowing process of improv in a warm and welcoming environment with awesome activities such as: Alien Translator; Guests-At-A-Party; Questions Only; Freeze; Build-A-Scene, and more!

Your child will have the opportunity to: demonstrate creativity; develop self-confidence during each class and the culminating performance; maintain high self-esteem; form long-lasting relationships with peers with similar needs and caring, qualified teachers; enhance oral language expression, and engage in positive team building exercises. The culminating improv performance takes place during the All Ages Improv Show on May 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at ColdTowne Theater.

So that each child’s talents and abilities can be maximized, the class size will be no more than 8 students. The seven-weeks session fee is $200.00. Scholarships and tuition assistance are available.

Team taught by experienced improv instructors and Joshua’s Stage faculty,  this collaboration promises to provide the uniquely joyful approach Move Your Tale takes to improv in a manner crafted to suit a specific student.

Register for Laugh, Learn, and Lead with the Power of Improv here. 

For questions about the session, please contact Joshua Levy, Executive Director at joshua.levy@joshuasstage.org, or 512-825-2744.

Monologue of The Week – Sarah Marah

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Yes, that’s who I am, Sarah Marah. They call me everything under the Sun from Sara Marinara, to S’marah, to Samrah, and sometimes just Sarah. Enough about my name. I did something and it wasn’t a good something and it wasn’t a bad something either. But it was something and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have to tell you about the something. That something isn’t everything you know, so I don’t know what the big deal about the something is. Or even what it isn’t. But that is neither here nor there. Here is the something and the something that goes like this. I was walking down the path and the trees were taller than the building around the corner. There were stones that looked smooth as silk and there were rocks that looked rough as sand. I picked up a stone and I picked up a rock and it felt like I was holding a stale cookie in my hand. I kept walking down the path and looked out across the creek and watched the birds fly over the low water. But I was watching the bird for too long and I tripped and stumbled over a huge, gigantic tree root that was stuck out of the ground. When I went flying into the air next to a bird the stone and rock fell from my hand and they hit that squirrel on the head. He’s going to be okay. You asked me about the something that I did, and that is my something. Was there something else?

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