Sense Theatre

SENSE Theatre is a unique theatrical intervention research program designed to improve the social and emotional functioning of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Founded by Blythe Corbett, Ph.D, in January 2009 in Davis, CA, SENSE Theatre is as a way to blend art and science to create a supportive, enjoyable, community-based treatment program. Now based out of Nashville, TN, the program includes peer actors who are trained to work with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They serve as expert models of social interaction, emotional expression, and imagination. The theatre provides a safe place for the children with ASD to learn, explore, and practice these important life skills. It runs twice a year, in the summer and winter. The summer is run day camp style over a two week period, followed by the performance they have been practicing for at the end. The winter program is a 10-week program on Saturdays followed by their performance as well. The performance includes all the children with autism partnered with their peer actors, and results are truly outstanding. Dr. Corbett is a clinical scientist that works with and studies children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders at Vanderbilt University*, Department of Psychiatry and the Kennedy Center. Her research arises from the Social Emotional NeuroScience Endocrinology (SENSE) lab where she focuses on social behavior, emotion perception and stress. Blythe is a former professional actor and writer with a long standing love for the theatre and the transforming magic that it holds. The SENSE Theatre program is allowing her to bridge her two worlds – art and science – to provide a unique therapeutic environment for children to learn how to think, feel and express in new and meaningful ways.