![\"\u2018Unscripted\u2019](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/connections-pic-1-orig.jpg\")
Kramer is known for his extensive history with improv, while Ploesch has worked in the field of special education for more than a decade.<\/p>\n
Following an improv show two years ago, Kramer and Ploesch reflected on the different skills taught to autistic children and realized that improv students learn similar lessons to those taught to autistic people \u2014 lessons such as \u201ceye contact,\u201d \u201creading other people\u2019s emotions,\u201d \u201cexpressing our own emotions in an intelligible way\u201d and \u201cthinking like other people.\u201d<\/p>\n
A short while later, the two of them came up with the idea for Connections, and the program was officially formed and launched in the fall of 2017.<\/p>\n Students begin each day of a six-week program by sharing the positive things that have happened to them recently, then take part in various activities and games.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of class, we debrief on the whole day and students discuss what they took away from the activities,\u201d Ploesch said.<\/p>\n Kramer, however, said he doesn\u2019t want people to think that Connections is a typical improv class.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a social skills class using improv as a technique,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a very different approach.\u201d<\/p>\n One of Ploesch\u2019s main goals is that his students walk out feeling more confident when conversing with others following the 90-minute classes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want them to be more successful with social interactions with peers, family, classmates or whomever they come into contact with each day,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019d like them to be more comfortable in different environments.\u201d<\/p>\n Ploesch said he knows that having confidence is difficult for a lot of newcomers to the program, as some students can be overwhelmed simply by being at the venue.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a new environment, the lights are bright and there are a ton of seats in the back,\u201d he said. \u201cWe want them to overcome their obstacles and use that in their daily lives as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Because making new connections can be hard for many people, particularly those who are autistic, Kramer said he hopes students feel that they are part of \u201ca group of friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost of these kids are at class with their peers, who think similarly and have the same sense of humor,\u201d he said. \u201cOne of the parents said to me that \u2018We found our tribe.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n While Kramer said he doesn\u2019t want to seem too boastful about Connections, he is delighted with the positive feedback he has received from parents since the program began.<\/p>\n \u201cMore than a few parents have said this is the only program [their] kid wants to go to every single week,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n As Connections continues to grow, Kramer and Ploesch plan on presenting several live shows with the students. These shows will be aimed at their families and also illustrate to the public how the students have improved since they started the program.<\/p>\n While there was a showcase presentation with the students last December, the intense preparation required has prevented Kramer and Ploesch from featuring one so far this year.<\/p>\n However, they\u2019re hopeful that they\u2019ll have more shows in the not too distant future.<\/p>\n Besides offering more classes and showcases, Ploesch would like to figure out new ways to help students in all parts of San Diego. Given how large the county is, Ploesh said he\u2019d like to have more options for families in different parts of the region.<\/p>\n In addition, Kramer wants the program to expand beyond the county to Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix and other locations.<\/p>\n Connections aims to positively impact the lives of San Diego autistic children, and Kramer and Ploesch are enthusiastic about finding more ways to boost their students\u2019 inner strength.<\/p>\n Classes for new students begin on March 11. For more information about Connections, visit nationalcomedy.com<\/a> y unscriptedlearning.org<\/a> or call 619-295-4999.<\/p>\n![\"\u2018Unscripted\u2019](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/garyk-200x300.jpg\")
![\"\u2018Unscripted\u2019](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/stools.jpg\")