In 2008, the owners of Arts in Motion, a for-profit studio, had a dream born out of personal experience as the mother/brother of a special needs child – free classes for people with special needs. Their popularity was overwhelming, and in 2010 AWO became a non-profit that now offers 200+ individuals a wide range of classes (e.g. musical theatre, dance, drumming), offering them a creative outlet and social opportunities that enhance their quality of life.

Arms Wide Open offers a wide range of classes, including: Musical Theatre; Hip-Hop; Swing; Health & Fitness; Tap; Voice; Percussion; Social Dance. Its performing arts program includes drama, singing, choreography and acting designed specifically for children, youth and adults with disabilities to provide them an outlet for inventiveness, creativity and social opportunities that help remove barriers to learning and other risk factors that may jeopardize their chances for success.

From 2011 until Covid-19 made performances in large venues impossible, a highlight of AWO’s programming was its annual production at the Lyceum Theatre, each featuring 100+ performers. AWO’s last major musical production at a large theatre (Lyceum) was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in June 2019. Since then, AWO has presented four shows (most recently Wizard of Oz in September/October 2023) in a temporary theatre by transforming its largest studio into a stage with seating for 80 people. AWO hopes to return to a large professional theatre in 2024.

AWO recently launched two new initiatives:
INSPIRE – a new opportunity for individuals who are especially talented and looking for more challenging performance experiences. Designed for people with and without disabilities, Inspire gives each participant the chance to learn from others who share the same love of performance and who can offer valuable life lessons.