INSPIRE THEATRE PROJECT
a one-of-a-kind neurodiverse performing arts program for children and adults with developmental and intellectual Disabilities
ITP was established in 2014 by Executive Director Maria Banda-Rodaz and offers a specially designed and adaptive curriculum to students ages 5 through adult. Services include group and private classes (voice, dance, acting) and musical productions, on site and at partner locations in Miami-Dade County. While its primary purpose is to provide such students with high-quality training in the performing arts, the benefits that ITP offers also stretch far beyond the stage. This program serves as an important gateway to autonomy and independence, and ultimately to living a more productive and fulfilling life. So often, participants like those served by ITP are negatively defined by their differences and disadvantages; but when they are instead embraced for their unique strengths and abilities, the sky truly is the limit as far as what is possible.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Making a Difference with Song and Dance
ITP is a one-of-a-kind theater training program designed to empower students with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Our unique methodology is focused solely on our student's progress, allowing instructors to tailor their approach based on each student's unique needs and abilities.
Empowering Our Community
The ITP program serves over 350 student actors from across South Florida who are eager to expand their talents.
ITP-trained coaches also travel to local partner schools to provide on-site outreach classes for individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore and access their abilities through the arts.
WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED,
AND WHY IT MATTERS
Both we at ASC and the families of our students have often been amazed by the progress these children can make when treated with respect and professionalism rather than condescension or disdain. Nine students who began our program mute have emerged singing, and plenty of others have made new friends, discovered new talents, and gained a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute to the creation of a genuinely incredible work of theatre.
Access to the healing power of creativity and self-expression should never be limited to those who measure up to a certain standard; and often, those who are the least conventional are among those who have the most to gain from having an artistic outlet. As one student put it,
“What ITP means to me is life”— yet the students themselves are not the only ones who benefit. The families of the students who make great strides in ITP may also reap a great many rewards from watching their children’s progress, and the neurotypical conservatory students who get a chance to work with ITP actors during the course of our productions are also afforded the opportunity to learn empathy and acceptance through their experience.
Finally, the program’s existence is also to the benefit of the community as a whole. Along with the chance to showcase their efforts in our productions, our ITP students also get the chance to share their talents with the wider world at an average of ten events per year in our community outreach performances.
Previously, these performances have taken place at events including the Coral Gables Arts Festival, the All Kids Included Family Arts Festival, and ArtsLaunch at the Arsht Center, to name just a few.
Along with allowing for further engagement for our students, events like these can serve to make audiences more understanding of the obstacles faced by students with special needs, as well as more aware of the capacity of disabled individuals to transcend those obstacles and serve as valuable members of our community. And we hope that this, in turn, can eventually help make that community a more accepting one overall.
SPRING 2026
THIS PRODUCTION WILL PERFORM AT AREA STAGE’S BLACK BOX THEATRE IN SUNSET PLACE.
Join SpongeBob and friends for an unforgettable adventure under the sea in The SpongeBob Musical! When Bikini Bottom faces disaster, an unlikely hero rises to bring the community together through friendship, courage, and optimism. Packed with colorful characters, exciting music, and nonstop fun, this family-friendly musical is perfect for audiences of all ages.
PERFORMANCES
June 5th @ 7 PM
June 6th @ 7 PM
June 7th @ 5 PM
ITP SUMMER CO-LAB
Summer Workshop for Neurodiverse Students Ages 5-18+
Performers gain experience directing, choreographing, stage managing, performing and more, in this collaborative 5-day intensive! This first-ever theatre laboratory summer camp for neurodiverse actors will give students the chance to present a Broadway musical of their choosing at the end of every session, produced completely on their own. If you've ever wondered what it's like to step into the many roles and responsibilities in the Musical Theatre industry, this summer workshop is for you.
Tuition is $250 each week.
Week 1: June 15 - 19, 4:30-7:30 pM
Week 3: July 13 - 17, 4:30-7:30 pM
VOICE OVER WORKSHOP
An inclusive and engaging workshop where neurodiverse performers explore the art of voice over. Participants will work on vocal technique, character voices, expression, and storytelling through voice in a supportive and professional environment.
Recorded voice reel included.
$400 for the week, voice reel included
June 22 – 26, 2026
Monday - Friday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
DANCE WORKSHOP
A dynamic and inclusive workshop designed for performers to explore different styles including jazz, ballet, and musical theatre. Participants will engage in technique and learn new repertoire in a fun, creative, and supportive environment.
$125 for all three days
July 21, 22, & 23 2026 5:00- 7:00 pm
GET YOUR GROOVE ON!
Workshop for Improvising in Various Music Styles, Ages 13+
Lead by Music Therapist, Nathan Mensah
Join us for an exciting and interactive music experience where participants explore creativity through improvisation, rhythm, movement, and musical expression! In this workshop, performers will discover different musical styles while building confidence, communication, listening skills, and self-expression. Perfect for neurodiverse performers and artists of all experience levels.
$125 for all three days
July 28, 29, & 30 5:00- 7:00 pm
beetlejuice jr.
THIS PRODUCTION WILL PERFORM AT AREA STAGE’S BLACK BOX THEATRE IN SUNSET PLACE.
The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.
PRODUCTION FEE: $800
FOR STUDENTS OF ALL ABILITIES, AGES 9+
Rehearsal Schedule
Begins August 17th
Mon, Wed, Fri; 5 - 7PM
Tech Schedule
December 7th-10th; 5-9PM
Performance Schedule
December 11th-13th, 2026
ENROLL IN our fall 2026 ITP classes!
enrollment opens july 1st!
itp kids: Intro to MusicAL Theatre
(6 - 11 yrs)
Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00 PM
An inclusive theatre class designed for neurodivergent students ages 6–11, focusing on the fundamentals of theatre, self-expression, creativity, and community. Through storytelling, imaginative play, movement, and performance activities, students will build confidence, communication skills, and meaningful connections in a supportive and welcoming environment, concluding with a showcase performance for friends and family.
$120/month
itp RAD BALLET
(AGES 11+)
Thursdays 5:00 - 7:00 PM
With a curriculum created by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), a world leader in dance education and training, this class strengthens creativity, musicality and technique through ballet for students of all abilities.
$140/month
ITP on-camera Acting
(16+ yrs)
Thursdays 7 - 8 PM
A supportive and engaging class designed for neurodiverse actors to build confidence in front of the camera. Students will explore acting through film and television techniques, practice audition skills, and develop authentic performances in a welcoming environment that celebrates every individual's unique strengths.
$120/month
