Arms Wide Open provides a wide range of classes (e.g. Hip-Hop; Jazz; Health & Fitness; Tap; Voice; Percussion) designed specifically for individuals with disabilities to provide them opportunities for engagement in activities that improve their health and can lead to a positive and busy social life.

AWO serves 200+ individuals with autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, brittle bone disease, and other developmental delays and physical challenges. They are from many cultural/socio-economic backgrounds and live in a variety of settings (e.g. group/foster homes, with families). They come to East County from throughout San Diego, and now North County residents can take classes at AWO’s new site at the California Center for the Arts.

A team of master teaching professional artist/choreographer, musician/vocal coach director/drama instructors teach classes six days a week at the main studio and one day a week at the new North County site..

For many years, a highlight of AWO’s programming was its annual theatrical productions at the Lyceum Theatre. Due to Covid-19, performances at a professional theatre could not take place, but AWO transformed a dance studio into a theatre seating 80 people. Over the past several years, AWO presented four musicals – most recently, Wizard of Oz (Fall 2023).

AWO now offers two large scale production programs: Rising Stars serves people with special needs or disabilities by producing and creating annual musicals. Most productions feature a cast of 80+ actors. Because these productions are so popular there are several casts so that everyone who is interested can participate. Unlike Rising Stars, INSPIRE is designed for people with and without disabilities, giving each participant the chance to learn from others who share the same love of performance and who can offer valuable life lessons. In May 2024 AWO returned to a large stage with performances of Newsies: The Musical.