IMAGINATION THEATER INC
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December 3, 2012
It is my pleasure to write this in regards to Imagination Theater’s performance at my school, Southside Occupational High School. Southside is a 100% special education high school which serves students 16-21 years of age. Due to our students’ cognitive disabilities we are always looking for organizations that provide age appropriate material that is tailored to our students’ ability levels. Imagination Theater exemplifies an organization that is flexible and willing to modify the content of their performance to best serve the audience.
From our initial meeting with Ellen Cribbs, to the day of the performance, every interaction with Imagination Theater was professional, friendly, and informative. Imagination Theater worked closely with our curriculum coordinator and counseling department to tailor the performance for our students. Through this collaboration the performance included the appropriate accommodations and modifications that our students require.
The performance was a hit with students and staff. Students were engaged during the performance; volunteering, clapping, laughing, gasping, and sharing. The support on the day of the performance was excellent. The materials provided by Imagination Theater for parents and staff will allow Southside to continue the conversation in the weeks and months to come. We are grateful to have had such an excellent professional organization come to our school and educate our students. We look forward to continuing this relationship!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 30, 2012
Volunteering at the Imagination Theater Company has been an amazing experience. The work that this organization does to further education in the arts about social issues is outstanding. It is crucial for students to learn about what it means to communicate, be healthy as well as being able to learn about issues in a creative and safe manner. Imagination Theater provides students across the nation with the ability to learn about diversity, and what it means to be a part of a community in a civil manner. One of the best aspects of Imagination Theater is that their programming is offered to students of all ages from Kindergarten through college, incorporating more complex issues into their performances as years progress. I am personally very appreciative that Imagination Theater works in alliance with Rape Victim Advocates for their "No Secrets" programming offered to Junior High School students. The curriculum that is addressed in that performance are crucial for students to know as they become more comfortable with themselves, their environment and their bodies. Being a part of the Imagination Team this year will impact my life and decision making in the future as well as inspire me in all aspects of my life. So, thank you Imagination Theater for all of your hard work furthering education in Chicago and across the Nation.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 15, 2012
This is for the Arts Awards campaign. . Imagination Theater is absolutely wonderful! The performers create an environment that allows their audience to express freely w/o hesitation or reservation. The actors are able to create a comfortable setting for the seniors to share their own memories, tap into their imaginations, sing out proud and stron,g and experience an afternoon of joy and laughter, all while feeling as if they really are an integral part of the performance themselves. Our audience members are generally struggling w/serious and complex health issues, however when our patients receive a visit from Imagination Theater, it's evident that the benefits are seen a mile away, not only during the program, but also the rest of the day as well as the rest of their stay in the hosptial. Being a part of the experience provides so many advantages - seen and unseen. If permists the healthy part of the patients personality to emerge and continue to function, giving hope and determination to be well again. It helps to improve morale, self-exteem and deviop a feeling of belonging. Even patients w/dementia benefit as it allows them to reminisce and tap into the memories they have, offering stimulatation, personal ejoyment and life satisfaction. IT knows what they are doing. . they truly offer a therapeutic experience! Pam Murphy, RMT, AD
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 14, 2012
Imagination Theater has been an amazing programming partners of Communities In Schools of Chicago (CISC) since 2001, providing much-needed sexual assault prevention education to thousands of Chicago Public School (CPS) students each year. Through its No Secrets program, Imagination Theatre teaches students about safe and unsafe touch through vignettes based on contemporary youth experiences – using words and a tone that students can understand and process. Imagination Theater is “real” with students without overburdening or overwhelming them with information. As important, the organization prepares school staff, engages audiences, and coordinates support for students who seek additional care around this challenging issue. CISC knows first-hand how passionate, accessible and fully committed to collaboration the Imagination Theatre staff is in its work. For example, Imagination Theater has teamed up with another organization, Rape Victims Advocates, to provide a safe place for students to talk about their experiences after seeing an Imagination Theatre performance. During the 2010-2011 school year, Imagination Theatre’s No Secrets program reached 7,140 students at 19 schools; more than 90 percent of the students and 85 percent of the schools were connected through CISC. Since Imagination Theater began working with CISC, it has reached more than 33,000 students at CISC partner schools. (Data for the 2011-2012 school year is being tallied now.) CISC so wholeheartedly endorses the work of Imagination Theatre that we honored the organization with our 2010 Al Ward Spirit of Giving Award for outstanding service to students and schools.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 14, 2012
Imagination Theater programs have helped our students over the years to learn ways in which to be respectful to each other. The actual modeling of behaviors with our students and reenacting scenarios give them hands on experience to provide solutions to problems that often occur at school.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 13, 2012
I have been a board member of Imagination Theater for over a year. It is overwhelming the effect that the programs have on individual students. Empowering a child to stand up and admit abuse, whether parental or peer, is vital. I have also personally sponsored several senior programs at facilities throughout the city. As in the student performances, the senior programs engage the audience and address issues in a frank informal manner. I have chosen to donate my time and money beyond what is required as a board member.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 13, 2012
I was Board President for Imagination Theater in 2011 when I received a call from a principal at an elementary school in the Pilson neighborhood in Chicago. He called to inform me what an incredible impact our No Secrets (sexual abuse prevention) program had on their students. Basically, he explained that there were 2 sisters who were being abused by their stepfather at home and this program gave them the courage to step forward and meet with the social workers after the program. The principal was almost in tears explaining this story and was certain that these girls would not have been saved if it wasn't for Imagination Theater. This story gave me confirmation that my work on the Board through the years is truly making an positive impact on students in Chicago. I will never forget this story and it is, without a doubt, the most lasting memory I will have from serving on the Board. Aaron Bryant - Board Member
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 12, 2012
In January 2001, Imagination Theater and I had a fateful meeting in cyberspace, which resulted in an amazing collaboration. The very talented and very engaging ensemble brought the guidance of my book, Easing the Teasing – Helping Your Child Cope with Name-Calling, Ridicule, and Verbal Bullying (McGraw-Hill) to life in their outstanding performances of Ease the Tease. Actors present dramatic scenarios and students are invited on stage to “ease the tease” using a variety of new skills, helping to build confidence they can draw upon if teasing occurs in the future. Ease the Tease continues to be one of the most popular shows. It is truly exciting to continue our partnership as the attention to bullying prevention is on the rise.
Judy S. Freedman, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Bullying Prevention Specialist
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 11, 2012
Imagination Theater (IT) does amazing work with schools in Chicago talking with youth about safe and unsafe touch, healthy relationships, and sexual abuse. As an educator who works closely with IT, it's clear to me the positive impact the organization has on youth. Prior to the show, many youth were unclear about the difference between harassment and flirting. Others felt empowered to know they had a right to bodily autonomy - something youth are not often told. After the show, a safe room featuring counselors from our organization helps children who have experienced sexual abuse find help, with those who disclose often telling our counselors that they would not have come forward had it not been for Imagination Theater. IT does incredible work in Chicago to help prevent child sexual abuse, as well as gives survivors a way to get services.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 11, 2012
We have had Imagination Theater come to our school several times. Every time has been a resounding success. They offer a variety of programs and will tailor the show to any special needs your school has. One example is that we booked a show on responsibility, but it was also the week before ISAT testing. Our principal asked that the crew input some kind of ISAT prep skit. I was wondering how they would do that exactly, but it turned out great and the kids were very enthusiastic about it. More importantly, Imagination Theater puts students in the role of solving actual problems that they face on a daily basis and gives them tools to deal with difficult issues. When combined with teacher follow up, Imagination Theater provides a school with great tools to build a respectful and respoonsible environment. This is not just another assembly that will be forgotten as soon as the students leave. It serves a very critical purpose in building a safe and secure environment for every student in the school. I can guarentee that any school will be very pleased with the experience they get from Imagination Theater.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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