Mission Statement
Arms Wide Open is a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to enriching the lives of adults and children who have special needs by fostering caring social environments and creating opportunities recreation and participation in the performing arts.
Arms Wide Open (AWO) is dedicated to providing inclusive arts education and performance opportunities for individuals with special needs. The organization offers a dynamic theatre program designed to engage participants in music classes, dance, and musical theatre, fostering creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Through a supportive and adaptive environment, Arms Wide Open enables individuals of all abilities to explore the arts and develop new skills, while promoting social inclusion and building a sense of community. By creating accessible opportunities for artistic expression, the program helps participants enhance their physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities, all while having fun and making meaningful connections. The mission of Arms Wide Open is to open doors to the transformative power of the arts, empowering individuals with special needs to shine on stage and beyond.
Arms Wide Open creates opportunity where every voice is heard and everyone has a role.
Who we serve…
Arms Wide Open (AWO) serves more than 300 individuals with disabilities, from every cultural and socio-economic background. They live in a variety of settings, including group homes, foster homes, and with their families. They come to AWO from throughout San Diego County. Rehearsal schedules are adapted in order to meet the needs of people who live in far-reaching parts of the County. And in January 2024, AWO began offering weekly classes at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.
AWO offers a variety of dance and music classes, Check it out.
Arms Wide Open show season Inspire/Rising Stars 2025.
SpongeBob shows August 15th - 24th, Performance will take place at The Old Town Theatre. INSPIRE+
Beetlejuice shows October 17th - 31st, Performances will take place at The Old Town Theatre. INSPIRE+
Frozen shows December 12th - 21st, Venue TBA Rising Stars
Tickets will be sold online or at the AWO office.
Tickets available May 16th!
Auditions will take place at 237 East Main Street El Cajon, 92020 starting at 4pm. Be prepared to audition 1:35 second song that best showcases your skills and talents. Please bring your own device to play your song. Only certain audition participants will be called back for selective show titles. Callbacks will take place on Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday May 4th, after 2pm.
If you are only interested in a certain show title, then that will be the only show you will be considered for. All audition participants must call 619 579 6197 to secure an audition slot time.
Audition Information
AWO NEWS
Congratulations to Christopher Rubio Artistic Director of Arms Wide Open for receiving the Prebys Leadership Award 2025.
