Discover the Magic of Summer Theater

Summer Theater 2024

Each Friday over the summer, the Center’s backyard would transform into a bustling outdoor rehearsal space for our annual Summer Theater program.

More than 30 team members would greet 25 children and 17 protective caregivers to rehearse this year’s production, “When Two Worlds Collide: The Meter Rises”.

Written by the Center’s Chief Clinical Officer, Miriam Jansky, the play was a magical mash-up of Barbie, Willy Wonka and Candyland.

This outdoor rehearsal scene may appear unlike any other theater program for kids on their summer break.

But a closer inspection of the Center’s backyard in July would reveal a thoughtfully curated experiential space, designed by a clinical team for kids to build safe and supportive relationships and learn new skills to cope with past hurt.

So what did it look like?

Over at the John Lockhart stage, you could find the acting group learning how to express emotions through role-play.

At the end of each rehearsal, the group would throw their hands into the center of a circle and scream “ACTING!” at the top of their lungs.

Beneath the shade of a dozen oak trees, a circle of drummers would gather with djembe drums propped between their knees, to channel their experiences through healing rhythm.

Just beyond the drummers were the dancers, developing body awareness and self-esteem to the beat of affirming tunes.

You could spot the production crew near the fence creating a candy-covered wonderland of props to bring the play’s theme to life.

Parents and caregivers accompanying their kids were also encouraged to participate in relational activities during rehearsals.

The final result

Those weekly rehearsals culminated in an incredible final theater performance, hosted at the Austin Playhouse on the morning of August 9.

Surrounded by family, caregivers, friends, Center staff, and members of the Child Protection Team, the children who participated were treated to a standing ovation from an adoring crowd, and a pizza party to celebrate afterward.

The science behind Summer Theater

One of the devastating impacts of abuse is its power to deprive children of the everyday experiences we all deserve; those moments in youth when we have the freedom to learn about the world and understand our place in it.

Abuse can also damage a child’s ability to manage emotions, articulate feelings, and comprehend what they have endured.

That’s why experiential programs like Summer Theater can have a profoundly restorative effect on the well-being of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect.

Miriam Jansky developed the concept to help children and their families understand how different levels of arousal can impact emotional states and behavior.

When we recognize where we fall on the ‘arousal continuum’, we are able to manage our responses to situations.

According to Miriam, the aim of Summer Theater isn’t to have lines perfectly memorized, handmade props, highly choreographed dance routines or marching caliber drum performances.

While the importance of allowing kids to be kids can’t be understated, Miriam said it’s also just as important to encourage parents and caregivers to play an active role in their recovery from trauma.

“Our kids rarely get to participate in extracurricular activities for many different reasons, and our families rarely ever experience the pride that comes from watching your child in these activities,” she said.

Thank you

Overcoming the impacts of child abuse is a lifelong process, but with evidence-backed therapeutic intervention, children can heal and thrive after an experience of trauma.

Thanks to our generous donors and volunteers, cutting-edge experiential treatments like Summer Theater can continue to make a difference to the lives of Travis County children.

From everyone at the Center for Child Protection, thank you for your continued support.