Watch segments of “Stages of Success: The Power of Performance,” presented by participants in a research study on the use of theatre as therapy for 15- to 25-year-olds with moderate to severe communication impairments.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

Transcript

[GFX: Photo slideshow]

Voice Over: In 2016, Appalachian State University conducted a pilot research study between theater, and communication sciences and disorders. The research shows promise in improving the speech, language and social skills of young people with autism and intellectual disabilities. Their study, titled the Theatre and Therapy Project, culminated in a campus presentation called “Stages of Success: The Power of Performance.” It starred six participants, with casting and language support from Appalachian students.

[GFX: “Shrek” starring Tyler S. and Connor]

Tyler S./Prince Charming: [singing] Hello, it’s me. I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet…me!

Connor/Shrek: Last I checked this wasn’t a musical, pretty boy.

Tyler S./Prince Charming: Well fine! No one around here appreciates talent anymore! Alright, ogre! You fell right into my *COUGH…into my *COUGH…my trap! Jumping giants this pixie dust is everywhere!

Emma/Fiona: Prince Charming! What are you doing here?

Connor/Shrek: I’m not surprised in the slightest. Who else would set up such a simple trap?

[GFX: “The Angry Birds Movie” starring Keith

Rachel/Blue Jane: My wings re so tired from flying so fast! Are your wings tired?

Keith/Chuck: Yeah, I just want to sit down.

Rachel/Blue Jane: Me too, ugh…

Sydney/Matilda: Okay, settle down everyone, and welcome to anger management class.

[laughter from audience]

Rachel/Blue Jane: When is the boom?

Chuck/Keith: Boom!

Cody/Red: Boom?!

Sydney/Matilda: No boom here. Now breathe.

Blue: BOOM!

Cody/Red: I don’t find that funny!

Keith/Chuck: One time I went to the beach, and the bird went boom.

[GFX: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” starring Xander]

Krys/Doc: What is it?

Xander/Grumpy: Why it’s a girl!

Krys/Doc: She is like an angel.

Xander/Grumpy: Angel, ha! She’s a girl.

Krys/Doc: All girls are full of poison.

Xander/Grumpy: They have wicked ways.

Krys/Doc: Shhh! Not so loud. You’ll wake her up.

Xander/Grumpy: She has to wake up. She does not belong here.

Krys/Doc: Shhh! She’s moving!

Xander/Grumpy: What do we do?

Krys/Doc: Hide!

[GFX: “101 Dalmatians” starring Mieszko]

Grace/Cruella: I’ve got not time to answer. I’m telling you, it’s got to be done tonight. Do you understand? Tonight!

Mieszko/Horace: But they ain’t big enough!

Megan/Jasper: You couldn’t get off a dozen coats out of the old caboodle.

Grace/Cruella: Then we’ll settle for half a dozen. We can’t wait! The police are everywhere. I want the job done tonight.

Mieszko/Horace: How are we going to do it?

Grace/Cruella: Any way you like. Poison them. Drown them. Bash them in the head. You got any chloroform?

Megan/Jasper: Not a drop.

Mieszko/Horace: And no ether, either.

Megan/Jasper: Either [pronounced eye-ther]

[GFX: “Peter Pan” starring Tyler L.]

Tyler L./Mr. Darling: Pan, pirate, poppycock!

Children together: Oh no, father. Father have you ever– You don’t understand.

Tyler L./Mr. Darling: Absolute poppycock! And let me tell you, this ridiculous…

Emily/Mrs. Darling: Now, George.

Tyler L./Mr. Darling: Now, George. Now George. Well, now George will have his say!

Emily/Mrs. Darling: Please, dear.

Tyler L./Mr. Darling: Mary, the child’s growing up. It’s high time she had a room of her own.

Chelsea/Wendy: Father!

Emily/Mrs. Darling: George!

Hayley/Michael: No!

Beth/John: What?

Tyler L./Mr. Darling: I mean it! Young lady, this is your last night in the nursery! And that’s my last word on the matter! [gasps and yells as he trips]

[applause from audience]

[GFX: Images and video courtesy of the Theatre and Therapy Project. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Department of Theatre and Dance.]