Empowerment Arts Summer Workshops at Interact Center
Summer 2025
For 30 years, Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts has been a leader in inclusive arts programming, creating groundbreaking opportunities for artists who live with disabilities. Now, through Empowerment Arts, we invite young adults of all abilities to experience the joy of theatrical and musical performance and the creation of multi-disciplinary visual art in a welcoming, accessible space!
Registration form is at the bottom of this page.
Program Overview
Open to young adults ages 18–22 in transition programs, these workshops are designed for participants across the disability spectrum, as well as those without disabilities.
At Interact, we believe in the power of inclusive creativity. As a leader in developing programs that bring together artists of all abilities, we create spaces where young people can collaborate, learn from one another, and tell their unique stories through the arts.
This summer, we’re offering three creative courses, each meeting once a week for four weeks:
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June: Ceramics – Working with clay enhances fine motor skills, coordination, and tactile awareness. It also provides a calming, hands-on way to build focus, patience, and creative expression.
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July: Intro to Acting & Improv – Improvisation fosters critical thinking, flexibility, and interpersonal relationship-building. Through group games and theater exercises, participants practice communication, social interaction, and confidence.
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August: Singing – Singing supports breath control, posture, and body awareness, helping participants tune into their physical presence, regulate emotions, and connect through music.
Participants will learn from Interact Teaching Artists—professional artists who have performed and presented across the country. Class sizes are intentionally small (maximum 12 students, or 8 for ceramics) to ensure individualized instruction and engagement.
No experience is necessary. All programming is designed specifically for young adults ages 18–22 in transition schools or programs, with supportive, flexible instruction for people of all abilities.
If you have specific needs or placement questions, feel free to note them on the registration form—or give us a call. We’re here to support you!
Classes
Summer 2025 Workshop Schedule:
Participant Support & Accessibility Information
Our instructors are experienced educators and leaders in their fields. All have undergone thorough background checks and specialized training, and they are deeply committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all participants—both with and without disabilities.
While our workshops are designed to be supportive and engaging for a wide range of needs, please note that we do not provide medical or intensive personal care. If your child requires additional support to fully participate and succeed, we warmly welcome a caregiver or support staff to attend alongside them.
Please note the following important details:
Interact has over 30 years of experience supporting artists with disabilities. Our artists have professional arts backgrounds and bring specialized skills in supporting adults with disabilities. However, they are not ABA therapists, social workers, or medical professionals. We do not provide therapeutic services or have ASL interpreters available. Interact Center does not have lifts available, so artists admitted must maintain a degree of independence, including being able to self-transfer when toileting.
Our staff are not trained or equipped to assist with:
- Transferring participants from a wheelchair to a toilet
- One-on-one feeding
- Personal care tasks
Additionally, we have a zero-tolerance policy for violence to ensure a safe and respectful space for everyone.
To help us best support the participant, we ask that you provide a detailed description of their care, support, and access needs when registering. This includes:
- Physical
- Sensory
- Behavioral
- Communication needs
- Any strategies or accommodations that have been helpful in the past.
Your partnership makes a meaningful difference and helps us ensure that every child feels empowered, respected, and set up for success.
Tuition & Scholarships
Each four-week course (8 hours of instruction) is $425 except for ceramics, which is $525. If your family is in need of financial assistance or if paying the full amount upfront is a barrier for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to work with you on a payment plan. Please reach out to Garrett Obrycki at garretto@interactcenter.com.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
- Payment is due at the time of registration.
- If you cancel more than 30 days before the start of camp, you will receive a 75% tuition refund.
- If you cancel more than 10 days before the start of camp, you will receive a 50% tuition refund.
- You may cancel at any time, and opt to receive 100% tuition credit toward a future Summer 2025 course.
Registration Form
Additional Assistance
If you need additional assistance, please contact Garrett Obrycki.
