Mission: The Center for Applied Drama and Autism is committed to providing theatre-based opportunities for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, adults and youth with disAbilities, and their communities. By encouraging individual and collaborative success through drama in an inclusive, safe environment that celebrates diversity and the joy of the creative arts, CADA supports social and emotional well-being, growth and empowerment. Our goal is to meet our students where they are now, and without coercion, help them to recognize their own abilities and gifts through empowerment and making connections. We do not wish to change the uniqueness of each student, but rather help each one deal with social and emotional situations that will occur throughout their lives. We do this via individual and collaborative applied drama techniques such as theatre games, improvisation, role play, character study, voice and body work, mask work (commedia dell'arte), and Play Back Theatre. Additionally, we encourage creativity and originality through student created puppet plays, play- writing and video production. Visual art, dance and music are all key components in theatrical productions and give our students an opportunity to expand their artistic gifts and interests. .