ACT NOW! Inc.

Empowerment Through Improvised Movie-Making

1029 Federal Street
Belchertown, MA 01007

Phone: 413-256-3471
Fax: 413-253-6453
www.actnow-online.org

Send an email

ACTNOW! is dedicated to building confidence and character in young people, primarily adolescent girls. In our core program, the ACTNOW! staff helps players create their very own short movie in the course of one day. The players select a site, invent a story, create characters, improvise scenes on camera and screen the result within 24 hours.

ACTNOW! uses MOVIExperience™, David Shepherd's method of creating improvisational movies. Shepherd, whose role in producing professional improvisational theater in Chicago in the 1950's earned him the nickname "father of improv," is credited with launching the careers of Alan Alda, Elaine May, Mike Nichols and many more.

ACT NOW! is a non-profit organization supported by a multitude of people. Nancy Fletcher is the founder and executive director. The agency is governed by a board of nine directors, including David Shepherd, and guided by an international committee of 50 female E-visors. Who We Are

Girls need to hear their own voices clearly-- especially through the crucial teen years when they tend to tone them down to fit in. MOVIExperience™ helps girls see that their ideas count. It provides an all-female setting where successful teamwork creates successful movies. The camera shows them the creative results of their decisions. The process sharpens critical thinking and shows participants how to resolve problems. Decisions require strong independent ideas as well as willingness to compromise for the good of the project. Yet, the playful part keeps the project from becoming threatening. What We Do

For participants, ACT NOW's MOVIExperience™ and its programs:

* Build self-esteem in problematic, as well as healthy, populations

* Allow at risk adolescents to experience success

* Capitalize on diversity within groups

* Increase empathy and tolerance for others ... and more

ACT NOW's MOVIExperience™ helps organizations:

* Showcase their resources and facilities

* Attract extensive publicity

* Generate visuals useful for marketing materials ... and more
Key Benefits

Programs - Choose the basic package for a MOVIExperience™ or ask ACT NOW! to customize one. Programs

Products - MOVIExperience™

Movies are $35 each; scenarios are $45 each.

Movies are approximates 20 minutes long. Scenarios provide the detailed outline used for each movie. Products

Book ACTNOW! - We schedule programs at least three months in advance. Costs are determined on an individual basis. We make every effort to offer an arrangement that works within clients' budgets since our goal is to spread MOVIExperience™ and its related programs to as many girls as possible.

Call 413-256-3471 or email nancyfletcher@charter.net.

Posting # 1022 Expires: January 1, 2050