Arms Wide Open is a nonprofit organization 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 (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!
