These are important rules for our improv classes, and we refer to them often.

We want to support appropriate behaviors and allow our teens to self-advocate, so at the beginning of one of our teens classes, we decided to let the kids write their own rules for the day while I wrote them on the white board. Some of our actors added a couple more of their own, and the "Not the MAMA!" one really gave us a smile. For many of our actors, "being told what to do" is difficult for them, and one expressed his opinion of our rules by letting us know we were "not the mama" to enforce these.

"As an adult on the spectrum it is hard to find services to fit my needs. The Shenanigans classes fit me perfectly. I have made so many friends and have also been given the opportunity to help with the teenage camps. My social skills have blossomed since joining the group and love the having the chance to help spread the word to others about the good of the program." L.E.

Become part of the Shenanigans team! We want to expand our program around Atlanta metro to bring the joy of performing to more of the autism community while helping them develop cognitive flexibility and social communication skills. We also work to increase awareness and acceptance by welcoming neurotypical participants to our activities and - in the works - developing community-facing performances. To do this, we need to bring on additional team members who can support our mission enthusiastically. We have active weekly classes going and we are forming additional classes and school break workshops. And it's not too early to think ahead to summer camp gigs! Contact Sandy for details on any of these positions.

Class assistant: We need people who have a background in special education or other special needs experience (specifically autism and related disorders), and are energetic, patient, upbeat, and capable of helping our class directors make the Shenanigans experience a fun one for all. Ideal for parapros, stay at home parents, and college and graduate level students in spec ed, theater, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, and similar fields. Reliable transportation is a must.

Class director: Our instructor team is top notch, and we're looking to add more top notch people. Must have enthusiasm and energy along with experience in, or an aptitude for, acting and performance theatre. You must have a passion for working with children, teens, or adults with special needs (especially those with Asperger's and related conditions), and be able to successfully reach and engage our participants.

Volunteers: We always need enthusiastic volunteers to help out in our classes. It's a fun gig - the class director does the work and you just have fun and provide some support to our class members. This is a great service opportunity for high schoolers and college students as well as adults.

Class space: Our Shenanigans team is growing, so we can take our program into more and more neighborhoods in metro Atlanta and outlying areas. If you know of a location we could check out, please contact me. Right now we're looking in the Lilburn/Snellville/Sugarloaf Pkwy area, south and west Cobb/Dallas, and I-575 corridor.

Donations: We have a scholarship fund for those individuals who need a little extra help to be able to attend our activities, and this fund constantly needs to be fed. This fall, our scholarships made a difference to five actors! Sometimes we start a class with fewer participants than we need to break even on expenses like insurances, rents, instructor fees, and the many other operating and overhead costs of business. Your donation helps us keep these classes going until they grow to a sustainable level. There's a Donate button on our web site - and every little bit of generosity helps!

__"Our Aspie grandson has been going to weekly classes for two years and also attended last summer's puppetry camp. He has learned rules and lessons that are appropriate for improv and for life."_ I.B.

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