An ETC Actor is more than a performer.

They are storytellers, dreamers, and creators who bring their unique abilites to the stage. Through dedication, laughter, and friendship, our actors light up every rehearsal and performance with confidence, joy, and heart.

Yes. ETC actors shine their (dis)ABILITIES on and off the stage.

At Exceptional Theater Company, being an actor means:

• Expressing yourself through theater, music, and movement

• Building friendships and community

• Growing confidence and celebrating abilities

• Inspiring audiences with every performance

• Our actors remind us that theater is for everyone and that every story deserves to be told.

Exceptional Theater Company (ETC) is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through the magic of theater. We create inclusive classes, workshops, and performances that celebrate creativity, build confidence, and foster lifelong friendships, both on and off the stage.

At ETC we welcome actors 16 years old and up. If you or someone you know is younger than 16, please contact us!

If you love to perform, have been curious about acting, or simply want to make friends and be part of a creative community, ETC could be the perfect fit. Our classes are designed to be inclusive, fun, and supportive, helping actors build confidence, express themselves, and share their talents on stage.

To make sure ETC is the right match, it’s important to know that we are a drop-off program with a closed-door policy. While our teaching artists and volunteers are trained to support actors in the classroom, there are some specific needs we cannot independently accommodate, including:

• Bathroom Support – Actors are escorted to the restroom, but staff cannot provide assistance once inside.

• Medical Support – Our staff is not authorized to administer medication.

If your actor can participate safely and independently within these guidelines, ETC may be a wonderful fit for your family.

ETC evening classes are held at Florida Children’s Theatre on Mondays and Wednesdays and at The Broward Center for the performing on Tuesday. We also parter with different agencies around our community to bring theater to their clients!

6:30-6:35 PM

Check In & Welcome

6:35-6:45 PM

Warm Ups (Vocal & Physical)

6:45-7:30 PM

Curriculum & Show Rehearsal

7:30-7:35 PM

5 Minute Break

7:35-8:20 PM

Curriculum & Show Rehearsal

8:20-8:30 PM

Announcements, Q&A + ETC Affirmation

8:30 PM

Check Out & Dismissal in Lobby

Each ETC class is led by two Teaching Artists and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all actors. The Teaching Artists design and facilitate the lesson plans, while volunteers assist both the actors and the Teaching Artists inside the classroom.

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, some with experience in theater, others in disability services, and many simply with a passion for making a difference. ETC provides training and guidance to ensure our team is equipped with best practices for working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

We also bring in experts and consultants to lead professional development workshops, ensuring every class is both artistically engaging and thoughtfully inclusive.

Because our weekly classes are working toward a final performance, attendance throughout the semester is very important. We ask that actors plan to attend class on a weekly basis.

No, we ask that all actors arrange transportation on their own. Our locations have accessible drop-off spots for TOPS or Uber/Lyft.

What if I can’t get to your location? Through our agency partner program, we provide off-site programming where we send a team of Teaching Artists to a partner’s facility to conduct our theater classes there. We partner with day habilitation programs, residence homes, schools, cultural organizations, other non-profits, and community centers. For more information, please email daniela@etcfl.org

Yes! Email daniela@etcfl.org to ask about visiting.

Price depends on the class you or your actor attend, $200-$250 per actor per session.

ETC is able to offer scholarships to families facing financial hardships. Please visit our “Classes” page for more information.