The mission of the Exceptional Theater Company is to energize and motivate children, teens, adults, and seniors with disabilities, and their families to achieve creative expression through involvement in the arts and community service, utilizing the power of theater.

Exceptional Theater Company, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization known as “ETC,” is recognized as an innovative theater arts program for people with disabilities. Its classes and productions focus on techniques in improvisation, movement and music, giving ETC actors opportunities to enhance verbal skills, improve movement, express ideas and feelings, build self-confidence, think freely, and socialize.

The significance of the ETC experience in the lives of its actors is beyond comparison. No matter how brief our actors' appearances on stage are, backstage is a world of excitement, anticipation, responsibility and social development. Being involved in ETC is an important part of an actor's world, and it is our duty and joy to give our actors and their families the best possible experience.

Through our Heroes Gala, we hope to broaden our audience within South Florida's philanthropic community in order to raise awareness of all that ETC has to offer, and to help it reach its potential and build upon its unique foundation. Additional resources will help ETC improve the quality of its programs in many ways including attracting more actors and families. Funding will also allow ETC to offer additional scholarships to actors requiring financial aid - ETC never turns away an actor who is unable to pay. Program improvements and scholarships will help ETC achieve its primary goal of maximizing the number of people it serves.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, ETC needs the support of the community now more than ever. While the actors and team wait and meet virtually, the time will come when we can perform for a live audience. Funds raised will allow ETC to open its doors once again and continue its mission.

This year's Heroes Gala will be hosted on Zoom! During an inspiring evening on November 14, 2020, ETC will recognize as Heroes some of South Florida's contributors to the special needs community, as well as the Heroes among its own actors. Community Heroes and Actor Heroes will be paired with each other to explore the impact they have on each other's lives. They will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences with gala attendees between special performances and presentations.