Principal Investigator: Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D.
Description
SENSE Theatre, developed for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a performance-based intervention targeting social skills that includes trained peer actors and theatre techniques. We are looking for teens without Autism to be Peer Mentors. If you are interested in theatre arts and this project, we want to hear from you!
Eligible Participants:
- Have an interest in theatre and working with participants with ASD
- Children older than 10 and Young Adults
- Actual theatre experience not required!
Research Components:
- Typically developing children serve as peer models for children with ASD, modeling appropriate social and emotional behavior.
- SENSE Theatre peers must complete a full-day pre-program training to take place online
- SENSE Theatre will take place over 10 sessions
- 8 rehearsals to take place in two consecutive weeks during the summer
- 2 performances open to the public
Participant Criteria
Children older than 10 and young adults who have an interest in theatre and working with participants with ASD
Brochure
Download Brochure
Contact Information
SENSE Lab
(615) 513-9562
senselab@vumc.org
Last Updated: Tuesday, February 24, 2026