Jellybean produces a theatre show where kids with special needs find a place
to belong and all kids learn the arts of compassionate action and thoughtful
inclusion. Believing that the greatest triumph of the human spirit is kindness,
we are bringing our life-changing program to thousands of students throughout
the United States .
What Makes the Jellybean Conspiracy Show Different?
It’s a theatre show for high schools and youth theatres that:
- Inspires new attitudes.
- Addresses significant social issues.
- Creates wide interest in the community.
- Draws big audiences.
- Evokes originality in writing and technical support.
- Includes kids from special education
- Provides unusual opportunities for improvisation and ensemble work
Why the name "Jellybean Conspiracy"?
"Jellybean" symbolizes togetherness, giftedness, and joy. "Conspiracy"
suggests the passing on of a secret. The Jellybean "secret"
is this: To be successful in life is to act with kindness of heart,
especially towards those who are excluded because they are different.
Thousands of children and young adults in our schools are marginalized
because of their mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Their
peers often feel embarrassed and insecure around them--thus increasing
the sense of loneliness and dis-empowerment. A 2000 study in
Qualitative Health Research reported that adolescents with disabilities
often describe themselves as lonely and are often more concerned with
their lack of social acceptance than they are with their disabilities.
Jellybean uses theatre to change attitudes towards children and young
adults with disabilities and increase natural supports for them in the
community. It promotes the performance of "Jellybean Conspiracy Show"
a theatre piece that models kindness of heart and promotes thoughtful
inclusion.
What Makes Jellybean Different?
- Built around a theatre show that includes children with and without
disabilities: It's a theatre of thoughtful inclusion.
- Combines creative opportunity, character education, and social
justice: It's a theatre of kindness.
- Sets up longer-term experiential learning: It's a theatre of practice.
- The Show is recreated in each community: It's a theatre of partnerships.
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