I Can Pretend!

Drama for children on the autism spectrum

Manitoba Theatre for Young People is thrilled to announce that after one succesful year of pilot classes the I Can Pretend! program for children on the autism spectrum is here to stay!

Your children will laugh, learn and rejoice in the power of dramatic play. Seasoned drama educator and author Demetra Hajidiacos will take your children on a magical journey they won't soon forget! Dress-up, puppets, crafts, songs and storytelling will nurture creativity and assist children in developing social skills.

Children currently enrolled in an intensive intervention program such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) and Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based therapy (DIR/Floortime) will benefit the most from these classes.

Weekly lesson plans will go home with families and may be shared with consultants, tutors, therapists and other caregivers to continue the fun at home!

Space is limited. For more information, please contact MTYP's Theatre School at 947-0394 ext 230.

For detailed information about the content of this course, please email instructor Demetra Hajidiacos directly at demetra_hajidiacos@yahoo.com

Download the registration form.
Download our financial assistance application form.

Here's what parents are saying about the program...

"Our son is loving the program. He's been doing great at playing with otherkids at school and doing more pretending and using his imagination. Last night he wanted to play dress-up for the first time ever and had a great time." Father of student, age 6.

"While our son could sometimes do well previously with imaginative play in short doses, I have seen a change in his stamina and interest in pretending." Mother of student, age 5.

Classes

I Can Pretend!
5 - 7 years

Teacher-led imaginative role-play, turn-taking, listening and sharing will be the focus of this class.

Fall Session / 10 weeks $180

FIPA / Saturday 2:30 - 3:30 pm
First class September 24

Winter Session / 10 weeks $180

WIPA / Saturday 2:30 - 3:30 pm
First class January 7

Spring Session / 10 weeks $180

SIPA / Saturday 2:30 - 3:30 pm
First class April 14

I Can Pretend Too!
8 - 10 years

In addition to the skills covered in I Can Pretend!, this course focuses on cooperation and teamwork.

Fall Session / 10 weeks $180

FIPTA / Saturday 3:45 - 4:45 pm
First class September 24

Winter Session / 10 weeks $180

WIPTA / Saturday 3:45 - 4:45 pm
First class January 7