History / Future

What Is Special Gifts Theatre?

Special Gifts Theatre (SGT) is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2000 to provide children and teens who possess a wide array of special needs (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and learning) the opportunity to experience the joy and enrichment that theatre arts can bring. It was designed to motivate and honor the creative spirit in each individual. The program, though recreational in scope, is educationally and therapeutically based. This unique creative drama experience enables personal growth while breaking down stereotypes related to disabilities within the community at large.

Theatre arts provides an excellent opportunity for enhancing an individual's self-esteem and self-confidence; encouraging problem-solving abilities; strengthening listening, focusing, and attention skills; improving communication and fostering cooperation.

How Did It All Begin?

Susan (Susie) B. Field, Founder and Executive Director of Special Gifts Theatre, received a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois in 1977. After initially developing an Early Rehabilitation Program and a General Medicine and Surgery Program for Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, IL, she continued practicing Occupational Therapy for 25 years. While raising three children, Susie taught a Medical Ethics and Health Science course on TV Channel 20 for Chicago City Wide Colleges and provided home healthcare to shut-ins who required occupational therapy services. Susie also consulted in the field of Occupational Therapy to several hospitals in the Chicagoland area, including Condell Hospital, Libertyville, IL, and Victory Memorial Hospital, Waukegan, IL.

Having three children whom all loved and benefited from performing in the theatre, she has first hand knowledge of the benefits that theatre arts can bring. Watching her children grow and thrive in the performing arts, combined with her experience in Occupational Therapy, led her to envision the opportunity for children and teens that possess a wide array of special needs to experience the joy and enrichment of the theatre.

Read how Susie’s dream transpired at the dinner table one evening. The excerpt below is from chapter seven of Take Out Your Nose Ring, Honey, We’re Going to Grandma’s. You can view this by clicking on the link below.

View an excerpt from the book.

What Is the Future of SGT?

SGT is expanding to serve more children that have special needs. Currently, SGT is in the process of developing different program levels. Met with great success, SGT has established the Early Childhood Program (ages 3-6 years old) that meets one day per week in Northbrook, IL, and concludes its activities with a Story Show.

SGT continues to grow the Musical Theatre program (ages 10-21 years old) that meets one day per week in Winnetka, IL, and offers a full musical production.

Currently, SGT is in the planning process of developing a Creative Drama Program (ages 7-9 years old) which students begin to explore and understand the structure of dramatic stories by using their body, voice, mind and imagination.

It is exciting to learn, that through these various program levels research conducted by the University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, indicates an overall improvement in skills for students who participate in SGT programming. An overwhelming amount of parents and teachers have found a significant improvement in the child’s behaviors and abilities. Most importantly, it was noted that these skills were transferring to school.

SGT continues to develop programs in different schools to meet the needs and ages of those students. If your school or organization has a need for SGT to create a program or consult on ways to incorporate children with special needs in an existing program, please contact our office 847.564.7704. Special Gifts Theatre does have the ability, resources and knowledge to offer such guidance and would be thrilled to explore these opportunities with you.

SGT continues to invest in the future. By offering additional programs, identifying new locations and growing trained and experienced staff, SGT will continue to reach out to many communities and children with special needs.