SENSE Theatre Program Description

SENSE Theatre is a blend of art and science providing a unique program that sets the stage for learning verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and movement.
The program aims to utilise well-established behavioural paradigms (behaviour therapy, video modelling) implemented in combination with conventional theatrical techniques (script reading, role playing, improvisation, singing, movement and dance). The theatre is home to imagination, imitation and communication – it provides a natural environment for enhancing many areas of functioning that are challenging for children with autism.

The 10 Core Objectives of SENSE Theatre

The SENSE Theatre program is theoretically based in psychology, behavioural sciences and theatre yet it is driven by ten core objectives.These fundamental aspects of the program may seem simple on the surface, but they embody concepts that cannot be assumed when teaching individuals with social and communication challenges ways to improve their functioning.

Provide social support (shared understanding, scaffolding, acceptance, create an atmosphere of belonging)

Create a fun, enjoyable and playful environment (show enjoyment, positive affect, provide humour)

Model warm, appropriate social interaction (e.g., greet, establish rapport, smile)

Encourage and motivate interaction using behavioural techniques (e.g., praise, applause, show interest, focus on participant, rewards)

Engage in directed communication (e.g., demonstrate eye contact, show intent, use person’s name)

Use gestures (conventional, instrumental, informational) and nonverbal communication (eye contact, facial expression, body movements, mime) in directed ways to enhance social interaction

Engage in imaginative play (bridge ideas with action “what if”, think out loud, role play)

Empathic responding (active listening, model perspective taking, emotional mirroring)

Learning as an active process (find ways to show, do, recreate through action)

Advance learning (shaping, introduce next steps, push the envelope with scaffolding).

Theoretical Psychological Foundations and Interventions

SENSE Theatre was developed and validated by many years of research work. Copies of all published studies associated with the development and outcomes from SENSE Theatre are available to download and read. SENSE Theatre employs the following validated strategies:

Social Learning Theory

peer modelling and imitation

Video Modelling

Constructivist Theory

Applied Behaviour Analysis

Where was SENSE Theatre Developed?

SENSE Theatre®, was founded by Blythe Corbett, Ph.D., in January 2009 in Davis, California (USA), as a way to blend art and science to create a supportive, enjoyable program.

Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee (USA). She is the Director of the Social Emotional NeuroScience Endocrinology (SENSE) lab, a translational research program focused on better understanding and treating social competence and stress in children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Blythe’s most notable contributions has been the development of SENSE Theatre®, a peer-mediated, theatre-based intervention, which has contributed to significant improvement in reciprocal social communication in children with ASD. To date, Dr. Corbett has published over 80 original peer-reviewed articles in leading academic journals. Her research has been consistently funded by the National Institute of Mental Health since 2005, which includes a current multisite clinical trial with youth with ASD and a new study of adults with ASD both examining the impact of SENSE Theatre®.

Validated SENSE Theatre Outcomes

The theatre-based intervention contributes to improvement in core areas of social ability for youth with ASD.

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Improvement suggests an increased salience for social information even in the absence of explicit instruction.

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Highlights the importance of peer-mediation, reciprocal social engagement and active practice of socialisation.

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Gains in memory for faces and social communication skills.

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Theoretical and Practical Considerations

The SENSE Theatre intervention model rests solidly on a theoretical foundation from the behavioural, social and psychological sciences. Additionally, the approach is steeped in the rich history and craft of the theatre providing a creative and enjoyable environment in which to learn.  While the SENSE Model is theoretically structured, it is fundamentally experiential, practical and individualised.  The inclusion of improvisational activities, exercises and play allows for a flowing, spontaneous and natural building of knowledge and experience for SENSE participants.