COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THEATER
self-empowerment through self-expression
Our
Story
Dominic Syracuse began teaching acting in maximum security prison with the Stella Adler New York Outreach Program. After seeing the incredibly positive impact self expression had on the population, Dominic was asked to use these techniques begin teaching anger management classes inside the prison system, and thus certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute.
After realizing that both acting training and CBT exercises have similar goals - to help people manage their stress and effectively express themselves - Dominic began using Theatrical games and exercises to teach cognitive behavioral techniques to those in need.
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Since seeing what an incredible impact these courses could provide, Dominic has made it his mission to bring his work to a wide array of communities to use the power of self-expression to empower themselves, set goals, and live the life they could previously only imagine.
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About Dominic
Dominic Syracuse is an actor, author, teacher, and speaker.​As an actor, Dominic received his training from The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, The Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago, and The Groundlings School of Improv in Los Angeles.​
As a trainer he has been recognized by The Cognitive Behavioral Institute, The USC Master's of Social Work Program, The Wyoming Department of Health - Nursing Division, and the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.
HOW WE MAKE AN IMPACT
With a new approach to anger management
Utilizing a unique approach to combining acting and improvisation techniques with court-mandated curriculum certified by the California Cognitive Behavioral Institute has proven to be effective in a variety of settings, including maximum security prisons, rehabilitation facilities, and homeless communities. The method has been utilized by several organizations and institutions, including the Stella Adler Outreach Program, Five Keys Charter School, Hollywood Impact Studios, The Wyoming Department of Health - Nursing Division, and the greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.
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Through this approach, Dominic has been able to provide positive psychology courses that are both innovative and enjoyable. The methods have been tested in-field and have been shown to rejuvenate and reform even the most severe populations. This speaks to the effectiveness of Dominic's approach and the potential it has to positively impact individuals and communities.
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IN THE NEWS
CHEYENNE-BORN PERFORMER ADAPTS TO CHANGING ENTERTAINMENT LANDSCAPE AMID PANDEMIC
May 17, 2020
"Before he trained at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Classes West or LA’s The Groundlings Theatre & School, Syracuse was just a kid from Cheyenne who wanted to help people. He assisted individuals with disabilities for 10 years while working his way through college, and his interests were constantly torn between the performing arts and social services."
HOMETOWN ACTOR/COMEDIAN HELPS PRISON INMATES TO PREPARE FOR THEIR SECOND ACT
February 20, 2020
"Syracuse, who is currently based out of Los Angeles, is not your typical performer. He is a jack-of-all-trades artist whose journey to becoming a standup comic didn’t happen all at once. His crosscountry resume includes a stints of being in a band, working as a radio deejay, studying acting at both the Steppenwolf Company in Chicago and at the Stella Adler Acting and Theatre Academy in Los Angeles."