Kevin McClatchy: Using the arts to support autistic and military communities across Ohio
This past autumn, The Ohio State University Artist Laureate Kevin McClatchy brought his enriching Shakespeare and Autism Project to six locations across the state to help members of the autism community explore communication, express themselves and build social skills.
Shakespeare and Autism Project: Building communication through Shakespeare
The Shakespeare and Autism Project uses the rhythm of Shakespeare’s language to help children and young adults on the autism spectrum improve their communication and social skills. Utilizing the Hunter Heartbeat Method, the project uses sensory-based drama games that are fun and engaging, helping participants with skills like eye contact, spatial awareness and emotional understanding.
Anna Jeffries, public information officer for the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, praised the project’s impact.
“When I first met with Kevin and he described the program, I knew it was something we wanted to be involved in, but it was hard to picture how it would work,” said Jeffries. “When the day of the workshop arrived and the young actors walked in, they were a quiet group. But when they got on stage and started doing the games alongside Kevin and the volunteers, everything changed. The transformation of the young actors felt like magic. There was big energy, lots of emotions and you could tell that everyone on that stage was making the characters their own and having a great time. I would love to see more workshops in our community because so many young people could really benefit from the outlet for expression that it provided.”
The free workshops, held in Athens, Marion, Lima, Pataskala and two locations in Cleveland, were presented in two tracks — one to help young people unlock their communication skills and a second for adults learning to be facilitators, expanding the project’s impact across Ohio.
Christian Andrews, a performer, director and teaching artist with the Cleveland Playhouse’s (CPH) Compassionate Arts Remaking Education (CARE) program, attended a training session held at CPH.
“Most of my artistic work is in theatre of the oppressed and disability in the arts,” noted Andrews in post-training feedback. “The training was incredible, easy to understand and quick to pick up on, yet informative and highly beneficial to the work we do at CPH. It was part of our professional development at CPH, but also included valuable and critical information in the classroom and theatre settings alike.”
Artist Laureate upcoming military events
Expanding his outreach to another community, McClatchy will also be engaging with military veterans through his upcoming events. Throughout the spring semester, McClatchy will bring the film version of his interactive solo show, Scrap Heap, to military audiences across the state. Scrap Heap, a turbulent and darkly funny performance, retells the true story of a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and his transition from service to civilian life by examining the costs of war and exploring the reality of what we ask of service members. Immediately following the screening, local veterans will guide a post-show conversation, allowing attendees to share their experiences.
The workshops provide a safe space for military veterans, active personnel, family members and mental health professionals to share their stories, express emotions and connect with others who understand their experiences.
Scrap Heap Workshops
Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Morrill Hall Auditorium, Room 100
The Ohio State University at Marion
Additional veterans’ workshops are being planned. Visit arts.osu.edu for updated information.
McClatchy, a professional actor, is an associate professor in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts. The Office of Academic Affairs supports all workshops through McClatchy’s role as The Ohio State University 2024-25 Artist Laureate.