18 year-old Connor Olen dreams of being on stage in his local high school productions. One thing stands in his way. Asperger's Syndrome. Like a lot of kids on the Autistic Spectrum, Connor struggles with social skills, eye contact, and connecting with peers. For him, inclusion in theater is the gateway to belonging and making friends. So, when the Drama teacher cites symptoms of Asperger's as the reason he isn't being cast, Connor is devastated. After all, he can't change who he is. But he doesn't want to give up on is dream. So Connor sets out on a mission to learn from top professional actors, directors, and casting agents, so he can prove to his Drama teacher that he - and other kids like him - deserve to be center stage.  His goal in making this documentary short film is to educate teachers and others about the tremendous contribution made to the Arts by kids on the spectrum - The Artistic Spectrum.

Watch the film's trailer now!

• Co-Director Connor Olen
  The idea behind The Artistic Spectrum came from Connor Olen. It is Connor's vision, and he has final approval of every aspect of the film. In addition to his love for the stage, Connor is incredibly passionate about the art of film making. His film blog ConManAtTheMovies.com reviews best picture winners from the beginning of the Oscars, and much more. Check it Out!
• Co-Director Mary O'Donohue
  Connor's mother Mary has spent more than 30 years working in television production, including 12 years at Harpo Productions as the Oprah Show's Associate Director, and Post Production Supervisor. Mary has spent literally thousands of hours in edit rooms helping to shape compelling and moving stories for audiences throughout the world.
  
• Executive Producer Jim Olen
  Connor's dad Jim has served as an Executive Producer in commercial TV production, motion graphics, music production, and in branded entertainment. Jim is currently the Partner/Director of Content Development at The Chicago Consortium.
  
  The balance of the production team behind The Artistic Spectrum is a collaborative group of talented and highly experienced TV & Film professionals who believe in Connor's vision.

The goal behind The Artistic Spectrum is to educate teachers and others about the incredible contribution teens on the spectrum can make to the Arts - especially theater.

Specific Goals:

• Increase understanding: In the U.S. roughly 1 in 68 children are diagnosed as having an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. A diagnosis of Asperger's or High Functioning Autism brings with it higher instances of bullying, anxiety, depression and suicide than neuro-typical peers experience. Social challenges and loneliness play a part in the sense of isolation many of these kids deal with every day. One of the goals of this film is to broaden understanding of the challenges teens on the spectrum face, through candid and heartfelt interviews.
• Share one teen's story: To show one high school student on the spectrum's journey from exclusion to acceptance, we will highlight Connor's practice auditions and coaching sessions from industry professionals as he strives to be a better actor, regardless of his diagnosis.
  
• Distribute the film to high schools across the country: To show other teens on the spectrum that they are not alone, and to educate their teachers about Asperger's and the importance of the Arts to help those kids feel like they belong and are a part of something.
• Enter the documentary into film festivals: To bring the message of the importance of inclusion in the Arts for kids with Asperger's to a wider audience.
• Friendship: Somehow through the process of making this film, and getting the chance to participate in plays before he graduates, Connor still holds out a small possibility that he will make a friend this school year. Friendship is life changing for anyone. Imagine the impact it can have for someone who has no friends.

The main challenges will be to complete shooting the film before the end of 2015 so that we can start editing in early 2016. That's why we desperately need funding - to pay for crews and travel expenses so that the film isn't just about Connor. Even though he dreams of being center stage, Connor is a very humble kid - and he wants to make sure we shoot interviews with other teens on the spectrum who also love the Arts and have felt excluded because of their diagnosis. Marketing is another challenge that we hope to overcome through funding. But as Connor says, if making this film can help one teenager somewhere in the world to be given a chance to perform and feel like he or she belongs, then all the hard work will be worth it.

• Teens on the spectrum have a lot to contribute but if they're not given a chance the world will never know what they have to offer. This film can be a voice for teens who are different, who feel isolated and alone, and who dream of the chance to be on stage sharing their talents. That's why we feel compelled to vigorously market this film. A good story told to few will not get the job done. Shared right, and The Artistic Spectrum will make the impact Connor dreams of - to make a difference in the life of a teenager who is feeling alone.
  
• We will strive to share compelling content that will connect with the public with Connor's story and the message of this film.
  

If you can't contribute, that doesn't mean you can't help. Please feel free to share our mission and tell to your friends of what we hope to accomplish with The Artistic Spectrum.