Help us help others tell their stories . . .

Ability in Action

As we come to the end of the year, we seek your help to ensure we can continue to help those on the margins unlock their potential through creativity. Please support Bright Invention as we bring our improv-inspired theatre classes and workshops to extraordinary people!

Help us help others tell their stories . . . 

We all deserve creative expression . . . 

Bright Invention uses improvisation to help individuals and groups unlock their potential. We seek to center the voices society has placed on the margins.

Ability in Action is our program area which serves people with disabilities, and others seeking creative expression in challenging or difficult circumstances.

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“I love Acting Out! because we get to express ourselves through creativity and theatre. Everyone is so welcoming and inclusive. And we get treated the same way any other acting teacher would - we do not get special treatment because of our disabilities. I think everyone should support Bright Invention because they make our community richer.” Elias Rosen, Acting Out student 2014 - present.

CAROUSEL CONNECTIONS: OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THIS WONDERFUL GROUP BRINGS OUR IMPROVISATION AND THEATRE CLASSES TO THEIR SUMMER CAMPERS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.

HOPE IN ACTION: OUR EIGHT-WEEK CLASS SUPPORTS TEENS RECOVERING FROM TRAUMA, FACILITATING THEIR CREATION OF ORIGINAL PIECES OF THEATER THROUGH STRUCTURED IMPROVISATION.

ACTING OUT! NOW IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, OUR SEMESTER-LONG CLASS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ALWAYS FEATURES A SHOW TUNE WITH ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY AND A SHORT THREE ACT ORIGINAL PLAY CREATED WITH STRUCTURED IMPROV.

Have a look at our extraordinary Acting Out! teachers Shea Sonsky and Kiersten Adams directing an Acting Out! rehearsal November 17th, 2019:

Our work leads to:

• emotional intelligence

• self confidence

• collaborative skills

Your donation will support:

• our skilled teaching artists

• equitable access across income levels

• program growth through low-cost partnerships

We hope you'll give a meaningful donation to support us as we continue to bring joy, and creative expression those who need it most!

Thank you!

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Ability in Action

PARTICIPANTS IN ACTING OUT!

Ability In Action is a comprehensive, immersive and experiential program for youth and young adults living with a disability. Ability In Action utilizes performance creativity and embodied activities to enhance social skills, verbal and physical expression, communication and self determination. Here’s what Bright Invention is up to this winter/spring in Ability in Action:

Acting Out! is open to all youth and young adults with ASD, Aspergers, or any Physical or Developmental Disability. This class introduces basics of acting and collaboration in a safe and structured environment. Students will engage in an opening ritual at the beginning of each class and will gradually be introduced to games and activities over the course of the class semester. The final class will feature a share for family and friends based on the comfort level of students. This class is open to youth between 10 and 20 years old (but we’re flexible!) and is currently held at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts. Class begins February 24 - click here!

Stepping Out! Let us come to you and co-create fun and meaningful workshops and classes for your amazing community! Participants engage in Storytelling, Drama, Movement and Improvisation activities which explore specific themes curated to each group we work with. One workshop may explore the challenges in day to day workplace interactions while other workshops may help participants talk about relationships. Each Ability in Action experience addresses the personalized goals and needs of the participants. If you are interested in bringing Ability In Action to your organization or community. Please reach out today!

PARTICIPANTS IN A STEPPING OUT! CLASS THIS PAST SUMMER AT COMMON SPACE.

This winter we are offering Real Life Drama as part of Stepping Out! In this class we will create scenes about Real Life - the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the sweet and sour! Using a fun technique called "structured improvisation" we will play games, do some exercises and act in scenes we invent together. At the end of the class we might even do a show for our friends and families! This class is held in Ardmore at Common Space. Class begins February 23rd - click here!

Ability In Action builds a safe and supportive (and fun!) social environment which encourages risk-taking, deeper relationships and personal growth through embodied techniques and ensemble building. We love to work on special projects with blended groups. Examples of our special projects include developing an original holiday musical based on the arrangements of Fred Waring, an original production for the gala fundraising event supporting the Philly Friendship Circle, and an original play written and performed by one of our Acting Out! graduates. Got an idea? We want to hear it!

PARTICIPANTS IN A STEPPING OUT! CLASS THIS PAST SUMMER AT COMMON SPACE.