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MARLBORO TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — The benefits of theater go far beyond the stage and the spotlight, and perhaps no one knows that better than Anna Tepedino and Wendy Roman.
The Shore women run Act Out, a nonprofit performing arts studio in Marlboro for children, teens and young adults with autism and other special needs.
"Whether it's acting, singing or dancing, it promotes self-confidence, working in a team, better coordination, speech, socialization," Roman told the Asbury Park Press (http://on.app.com/2bs3Hws). "It gives them the self-confidence that they need to be a star in their everyday life."
Act Out offers acting, singing, music and dance classes for ages 4 to 24, with small class sizes and plenty of individual attention. Private voice and piano lessons also are available.
"We try to get to know every student on a very personal level," Tepedino said. "What they are capable of and what their needs are. We know what we can hand to them and what they can handle."
Volunteers are a large part of the program, participating in classes alongside the students. Local volunteers come from Howell High School Fine and Performing Arts Academy, Colts Neck and Marlboro high schools and Solomon Schechter Day School, among others places.
Classes begin in September, culminating in a recital in June that shows off the work the students have done all year. It includes monologues, scenes, musical theater songs, instruments and more.
"There's no anxiety," Roman said, pointing out that it's very interactive theater — "they cheer each other on. That is the most incredible experience."
Classes sometimes touch on real-life situations, helping students improve movement, speaking and social skills.
"Everything here works in their everyday life," Roman said.
Classes start up at the beginning of September, and registration now is open. Act Out offers a free consultation and free first class to ensure the program is the right fit for students. Act Out is located at 52 N. Main St., Unit B-2, in Marlboro. Call 848-444-9500, email info@ActOutNJ.org or visit "Act Out NJ Marlboro" on Facebook for more information. Donations can be made at ActOutNJ.org.
"The arts and these students are our passion for every day," Tepedino said.
Roman echoed her thoughts, saying there's nothing better than watching students grow and becoming "the stars of their own story."
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Information from: Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, http://www.app.com
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