Sierra School Students Grow Through Theater

An Inclusive Production Experience

For more than a decade, Sierra School of San Diego’s related services department has brought the school community together through an eagerly anticipated annual theater production. This year, students took the stage for an inclusive production of Aladdin, using theater as a functional learning experience that supports growth in communication, social-emotional development, regulation, motor skills and self-esteem.

Theater Experiences That Support Student Growth

Each production reflects close collaboration among occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, educators, and support staff, who design an inclusive theater experience tailored to each student’s strengths, needs, and goals.

“Theater is a space for connection, communication, courage, and personal growth,” said Lanae Aguilera, school director.

With occupational and speech therapy embedded throughout the process, students actively build essential life skills such as self-advocacy, emotional regulation, teamwork, and expressive communication. The experience encourages students to take risks, share their voices, and recognize their capabilities. For some students, participation sparks a lasting interest in theater and motivates them to pursue opportunities beyond the school setting.

Creating an Inclusive Theater Environment

The production process is intentionally inclusive and highly structured. Each year begins with selecting a flexible play adapted to support a range of communication styles, mobility needs, and learning profiles. Tryouts allow students to demonstrate expressive language and emotional range while advocating for how they want to participate – on stage, in a choir, through set design, backstage support, or musical composition. Staff assigns roles within each student’s zone of proximal development to balance challenge and support and ensure meaningful inclusion.

Scripts evolve throughout rehearsals to reflect student strengths and performance styles. Read-throughs, structured staging, and onstage rehearsals build confidence, engagement, and independence. Occupational and speech therapists embed supports for communication, regulation, posture, body awareness, social interaction, and expressive performance. Students also contribute behind the scenes through set design, prop creation, and front-of-house responsibilities. As performance day approaches, rehearsals increase to help students prepare for sensory changes, transitions, and the energy of a live audience.

Celebrating Confidence and Collaboration

Students performed in front of more than 200 stakeholders, including family members, friends, and district personnel. The final performances – one during the morning and one in the afternoon – celebrated inclusion, collaboration, and growth.

“The auditorium was filled with laughter, applause, and tears of joy,” said Matt Beltran, occupational therapist and theater production lead. “The production fostered a strong sense of pride and confidence as students showcased their talents and teamwork.”

The staff at Sierra School of San Diego also extends a big thank you to the National Foundation of Autism Research (NFAR) for their generous grant supporting the production of Aladdin, which allowed the team to purchase a soundboard and microphones that made a tremendous difference in the performance.

“With this equipment, our students’ voices were clearly heard throughout the audience, allowing them to fully express their hard work. For our students with autism, this was especially meaningful; having reliable sound support gave them confidence and ensured their voices were heard and celebrated. We are incredibly grateful for NFAR’s support and for their commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with autism to shine,” said Beltran.