Spring 2004 ~ Christine Rouse founded Acting Without Boundaries (AWB), a program that has enabled her to share her passion for theater with other disabled individuals.

Fall 2004 ~ AWB hosted its inaugural event with a four-day acting workshop at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. The workshop brought together twelve young actors between the ages of 11 to 26. Following an intensive theater experience, the participants wowed the audience with their monologues, singing, and dancing. For many of them, it was their first time performing on stage in front of a sold-out crowd to a standing ovation! “The actors performed with poise and passion in front of a full audience with just days of preparation. They pulled off an amazing show!” said an audience member. At the conclusion of this outstanding performance, the organizers of AWB realized the program had the potential to support and inspire young actors with disabilities all year long. AWB thus set out to raise the necessary funds to make this dream come true.

Winter 2005 ~ A Board of Directors was created to help shape the program. Monthly Workshops were held at The Episcopal Academy in Devon, PA, which enabled the actors to learn singing and acting techniques from professionals. The goal of the Workshops was to prepare for the annual show, "The AWB Variety Hour".

Neill Hartley, a local actor and teacher, was brought on board as the Artistic Director of AWB. Neill is a professor of Speech and Voice at The University of the Arts and he holds an MFA from Temple University. He has directed Waiting for Lefty at Ursinus College and Deco Diva for G & H Entertainment. Neill has created three one-act plays, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Spirit of Limberg and Sherlock Holmes and the Speckled Band. Neill is also the spokesperson for Spray-N-Grow, a national gardening company.

AWB hired Maria Ceferatii as their Musical Director. Maria holds a BA in Music Education from the Catholic University of America. Maria has extensive experience in performing and directing. She directed Bye Bye Birdie and Greese.

Mike DeVitis was brought on board as the Assistant Director of AWB. He graduated in 2002 from Albright College with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. While at Albright, Mike performed in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Freight Dogs, Bash, Prelude to a Kiss, Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing. He is a proud full-time member of ESF Summer Camps, Inc Admissions Team.

May 2005 ~ AWB held its first annual major fundraiser event at Georges' Restaurant in Wayne, PA. The event was a huge success with the actors performing the songs that they were rehearsing for the Variety Hour performance.

September 2005 ~ The AWB cast performed the 2005 Variety Hour, an original production featuring music, commercials and an authentic 1940’s radio show, in front of a 400-person audience at St. Joseph’s University and received a standing ovation. This followed a 4-day intensive workshop that included theatre exercises, musical training and rigorous rehearsals.

Winter 2006 ~ Monthly workshops continued throughout the year with special guests assisting with all aspects of the arts and movement including mime and yoga. Social events provided the actors with additional opportunities to form friendships and bonds at such activities as a holiday trip to the movies, dinner and a chance to see director, Neill Hartley, perform in his own one-act show.