Check back for updates on next year’s application cycle. 

Thank you for another amazing year of Speak up!


Thanks to the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals, this program is offered entirely free of charge to all students on the Autism Spectrum (ages 13-19).

Questions? Send an email to the program coordinator, Karen O’Hanlon, or call us at (888) 455-4212.


About Spectrum Speak Up

Thanks to the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals, the program is offered entirely free-of-charge to all participants. This program is part of Chance Theater’s award-winning Speak Up program, which includes separate programs for Teens and Veterans.

Students will learn a little about a lot during our 6-week program, including:

  • Acting
  • Writing
  • Directing
  • Designing
  • Improvisation
  • Team-Building
  • Telling Your Story
  • Performing in front of an audience

Questions? Send an email to the program coordinator, Karen O’Hanlon, or call us at (888) 455-4212.


More about our process

This six-week summer program focuses on empowering teens by helping them to find their unique voice and talent. Through traditional ensemble-building techniques, improvisation, and playwriting exercises, participants will be guided in the creation of an original play. Everyone will learn the basics of script analysis, objectives, actions, and character analysis, and apply this to their playwriting and acting with the goal of cultivating the ability to honestly listen and respond on stage while making dynamic choices. Through exercises, teens will also grow their concentration and awareness, emotional freedom and connection, and self-confidence. This program will provide a safe place for students to be part of an ensemble giving a voice to their generation, creatively exploring storytelling, and leaving with a strong acting foundation taught by professional Chance Artists. No matter where their curiosity and talent lies, the theater has an outlet for everyone.


About our Speak Up programs

For over a decade, the Chance has been helping our community to find their voice and “speak up” about their lives and experiences. We give them the opportunity to speak so that we have the opportunity to listen. Greater understanding fosters greater empathy. Through these programs, we hope to contribute to a more connected, compassionate, and creative community.

To find out more, click on one of our Speak Up programs below:

» Watch our Community Director
- from 2020 Virtual Gala

Support Our Speak Up programs

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, all participants receive full scholarships for this program. Sponsorships for Speak Up participants are $600. Please make a donation below or consider volunteering.

Donate Now  |  Volunteer Now

Bring Speak Up to Your Community

Let us help you tell your stories.

Submit Speak Up Interest Form


Click here to watch video on YouTube

 

Apply for Spectrum internship Learn more about Teens Speak Up
“Teens who have been diagnosed with ASD struggle with bullying and establishing their identity during their high school years because of their social and communication deficiencies. We think that the Spectrum ‘Speak Up’ Program will give these individuals an opportunity to develop confidence, enhance their communication skills, and develop friendships by leveraging theater techniques.” 
–  Judi Uttal, president of OCASG
“We have seen again and again with teenagers and veterans the personal impact that is possible when you give someone a voice and a stage to speak up about their experiences. Theater is a powerful tool in realizing the potential of living a more fully rounded life by developing skills in problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and dealing with ambiguity and complexity. We can’t wait to see what they say next.”

Casey Long, Chance Founding Artist


Bring Speak Up to Your Community

Let us help you tell your stories.

Submit Interest Form

Support the Program

Apply for Spectrum internship Learn more about Teens Speak Up

Generous program support provided by:

The Marc Chessen Scholarship Fund
Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation
Miracle Foundation Fund
Orange County Community Foundation – Robert J. and Doreen D. Marshall Fund
Katheryn Baker & Brad Feldman
Robin Preiss Glasser & Robert Berman
Orange County Asperger’s Support Group

Linda & Tod White
Anaheim Hills Rotary Club
The Bunteman Family
Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim
Rachel & Todd Martinez