With support from the California Arts Council, Unscripted Learning will sustain and expand our Connections Program, an improvisational theatre initiative for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across San Diego County. Serving individuals up to age 24, the program fosters communication, teamwork, leadership, and creative expression in an inclusive, strengths-based setting. Each year, thousands of teens with ASD age out of school-based services, losing vital support. Connections fills this gap, currently serving 30 participants weekly—and demand is growing. Grant funding will sustain three weekly classes and help launch a fourth, reaching more youth on our waiting list. As arts funding faces cuts at all levels, CAC support is more critical than ever. Without it, Unscripted Learning may be forced to reduce services, limiting access to this proven, transformative program.
Developed in conjunction with the National Comedy Theatre in 2017, Unscripted Learning uses improvisational theatre to teach the concepts of teamwork, leadership, and creative problem solving as well as teaching improv skills and theory. Programs include:
Connections: An improvisational theatre program for teenagers and young adults on the autism spectrum.
Kids and Teens Programs: Unscripted Learning uses improv comedy to teach teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in addition to performance skills, while providing a forum for students to have fun in a wholesome, supportive environment.
Active Minds: An educational program, designed exclusively for seniors, that teaches improvisational acting techniques and skills to improve cognitive ability, foster brain health, broaden creative expression and help increase social interaction.

