I signed my MS daughter up for a computer club. 3-D Animation, drawing with computers, fashion design--there were many options (and yes, Minecraft and Fortnite). The great thing about computers is that you can be as anti-social as you like and do your own creative thing, but also find people who have similar interests. From that, friendships might grow. My daughter is on "hi" basis now with kids from her computer club. Some are (gasp) boys but she said that "boys can be better friends than girls." I'll take any statement that has "friends" and "better" in it, at this stage.
Consider computer activities and/or sewing or music (choir? chorus?) All of these have a solitary component as well as an "all together" element. Good luck, OP. Middle school sucks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not affiliated with Traveling Players Ensemble. It has been a godsend for my DD who struggles with social anxiety. Registration ends soon for this semester’s classes. I believe they offer financial aid.

OP here, I'm glad it has helped your child. I am looking for volunteer opps only and live close-in. We don't have time to drive to these classes. Thank you.

NP here - so your daughter is struggling, she likes theater, you came here for advice, but now you only want things that are free, and you "don't have time" to drive to anything? Nice.

Wow. You are really projecting.

It is far from where I live and I would rather find something closer. Is that ok with you?

I am not opposed to spending money but I know she would never get up on stage in a million years. I would only be interested in backstage opps.

Saint Bernadette in Springfield and Nativity in Burke both do summer stock. St. Bernadette's is a very well developed program with solid tech and pulls from many high schools.

Mount Vernon Children's Community Theater is an exceptional program. I am sure they would be happy to have help with their shows in some capacity.

Fairfax Community Theater is a program that mixes adults and youth. They have calls for tech crew.

Nextstop Theater has wonderful youth outreach.

There are several youth companies in Loudon county and outlying areas.

Um...

There are tons more that I am not thinking of right now. I am sure there are others who can contribute to this list for NOVA.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All. Introvert does not equal shy. Let me say that again. Introvert is not a synonym for shy.


There are plenty of kids in theatre who are introverted. Even if this isn't the program for this family, an attachment to theatre is probably a great idea/

Someone who is being treated for social anxiety probably falls into a different category than someone who is just an introvert. Let me say that again. Someone who is being treated for social anxiety probably falls into a different category than someone who is just an introvert.

Why is everyone on a theatre kick? Aren't there any activities other than theatre in the world??

I have a kid with extreme anxiety.

Theater (especially tech) and the arts in general (singing, music, instruments, drawing, anime, etc are wonderful places for kids trying to find their place.

And dance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All. Introvert does not equal shy. Let me say that again. Introvert is not a synonym for shy.


There are plenty of kids in theatre who are introverted. Even if this isn't the program for this family, an attachment to theatre is probably a great idea/

Someone who is being treated for social anxiety probably falls into a different category than someone who is just an introvert. Let me say that again. Someone who is being treated for social anxiety probably falls into a different category than someone who is just an introvert.

Why is everyone on a theatre kick? Aren't there any activities other than theatre in the world??

I have a kid with extreme anxiety.

Theater (especially tech) and the arts in general (singing, music, instruments, drawing, anime, etc are wonderful places for kids trying to find their place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another TPE proponent here. They do amazing work with every kind of kid. Introverts, extroverts, avowed theater kids, kids who are trying it on for size. Many kids really come into their own in the supportive and small ensemble environment of TPE. Fall classes are enrolling now and this winter's plays promise to be a ton of fun. Yes, it costs money, but it is worth every penny to have your kids working with solid professionals. Also, if cost is an issue, you can apply for scholarships. TPE is committed to its scholarship program.

An introvert who is being treated for anxiety probably isn't going to want to be on stage in front of a bunch of people.

Please folks, stop with the advertising.

My kid does community, school and professional regional theater.

The theater community is very welcoming.