Culmination of sixth-month program showcases original musical production
developed and written for, by, and with students with special needs
LOS ANGELES – March 8, 2016 – The Help Group, the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children, adolescents, and young adults with special needs, announces the one-time-only performance of The Miracle Project’s “Journey to Dance Island.” The event, which will take place March 13 at The Help Group’s Autism Center on the Sherman Oaks campus, features an original story, script, 
and music written by 15 students with special needs.
“Journey to Dance Island” tells the story of a group of adventurers who embark on a journey after dancing has been banned in the United States. They are on a search for Dance Island, where everyone is free to dance and express themselves without judgment.
“It has been a miraculous experience to witness a group of students grow in self-confidence, social skills, communication, and joy as they embarked on this 22-week experience with one another,” said Ryan Berman, Chief Operating Officer at The Miracle Project.
The Miracle Project gives young people the opportunity to express themselves through music, dance, acting, and story writing. This year’s cast and crew have been meeting at The Help Group once a week since last fall to develop the story and its many components. This is the sixth year The Help Group and The Miracle Project have partnered for this singular event.
“Every year, we see how our partnership with The Miracle Project is transforming young people and giving them an opportunity to share their passion and talent,” said Nicole Webb, Program Director of the Kids Like Me Program at The Help Group. “It’s inspiring to see how the arts can have such a positive impact and we are pleased to be able to offer this experience to our students.”
This special performance is free to the public, but space is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, contact Kids Like Me Director Nicole Webb at nwebb@thehelpgroup.org or at (818) 778-7136.
The sole performance of “Journey to Dance Island” will be Sunday, March 13 at 4 p.m. at The Help Group Autism Center Theater, 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, California.
About The Miracle Project
The Miracle Project incorporates a groundbreaking and proven methodology that integrates theatre, film, and the expressive arts to bring out the best in individuals with autism and all abilities. Through shared experiences with neurotypical peers, individuals find their voice, develop their talents, and become part of a unique, dynamic, inclusive community. The Miracle Project has been seen on CBS, CNN, HBO, and the Oprah Winfrey Network, and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, NPR, and the Jewish Journal.
About The Help Group
Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative, and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children, adolescents and young adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional challenges.
The Help Group’s 10 specialized day schools offer pre-K through high school programs for more than 1,600 students. Its broad range of mental health and therapy services, child abuse and residential programs extends its reach to more than 6,000 children and their families each year.
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