ARTSTREAM INC

At ArtStream, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Here are just a few concrete examples of the impact that our programs have had.

Inclusive Theatre Companies for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

One of our actors had severe behavior problems at school. He had a difficult time controlling his anger. When he showed up at the first rehearsal, he was very shy and sat crouched in the corner and just observed. He did this through most of the rehearsal process. When it came time to pick parts, he chose a part which was then given to him. His parents were very skeptical as to whether he would actually get up on stage and perform. We believed in him and encouraged him. After the day he chose his part, he participated enthusiastically in all rehearsals and very successfully performed in the play. His parents also reported to us that his behavior at school had improved since getting involved with the company. ArStream has many examples of how the arts have helped improve the quality of life for our participants.

Allies in the Arts at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

During a storytelling session, one of the patients chose the word "brother" as a story starter. He told how soldiers are trained to walk in the exact footsteps of the soldier in front of them because this shows there are no land mines in these precise spots. He misstepped slightly and ended up losing one of his legs. The soldier with the injury had used his tourniquet to help someone else. Another soldier returned to help and saved his life by using his own tourniquet. At the end of the story, the patient just said ''Brother".

Interactive Puppet Show Series as part of the Deborah Jean Arts in Hospitals and Hospice Program

There was a young boy at a hospice camp who was chosen to come up on stage and play a role in the show. You could tell that he was really enjoying himself onstage. After the show, the director of the camp came up to us and said that he had experienced much loss recently and that when he was onstage was the first time she had seen him smile that entire weekend of grief related activities.

Another child, a young girl played the princess on stage during one of our touring performances at a local hospital. Soon after she went into a coma and was transferred to another facility. When she returned the hospital, thankfully in recovery, she was asked if she remembered being in that hospital before. She said, "No, but I do remember playing a princess." That is the power of the arts at its finest.

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