TRY THIS AT HOME
Theater Basics for Family Fun
BY:BONNIE L. VORENBERG
SOME 25 YEARS AGO, a group at a senior center in Eugene, Oregon, gathered around me for an exercise class. Most sat in wheelchairs, colorful lap robes brightening the circle. As a theater person, I’d always enhanced my classes by using scarves and other props. That day, after an hour of song, movement and acting—using techniques of my StimuDrama program—I noticed the activity directors watching with shocked faces. Unnerved, I ended class with a song and quickly said my goodbyes so I could talk with the staff.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing,” they replied. “What you did with John was astounding. We haven’t seen him move or talk in months.”
For me, that moment affirmed what a powerful form of communication theater can be for older participants. Physical and mental limitations melt away and they connect with one another as they’re eased into a more playful world.
A blend of improvisation, storytelling and creative drama with music, movement and a heavy dose of reminiscence, StimuDrama makes simple theatrical techniques accessible and fun. I’ve successfully used this mix with seniors of all activity levels and with all group sizes. Here’s how it works, but feel free to improvise:
When leading a group, I always begin with a song, a golden oldie that reminds participants of their past. I sing it to them, then review it line by line so the words become familiar again. I then add arm, leg and body movements as we repeat the song. This warm-up is the electrical spark for imagination and creativity.
I next help the seniors tell stories. I encourage them by saying, “Don’t think. Say the first thing that comes to your mind.” Then I begin with, “Once upon a time there was a...,” and we go around, with every person adding to the story. The first might say “a mad musician,” to which the next might add “who hated blueberry pie….” And on it goes until we create an ending. Sometimes I distribute hats (nurse, cowboy, etc.) and ask that they express themselves in character. Just like that, they’re acting!
The principles of this fun activity can be applied one-on-one at home or at a multi-generational family gathering just as easily as at a senior center. Leaders with no theater training can “direct” by using simple plot starters and moving from story to story. Every response is right, and you’ll elicit the most creative expression by staying positive, getting everyone involved and prompting when necessary. Encourage crazy ideas, laugh and enjoy.
People of all ability levels love the theater activity in which participants read monologues, scenes or skits as well as poetry, prose or even comic riffs from an Erma Bombeck book. They read the material, holding scripts, either seated or standing and moving around. The acting is easy and they quickly create characters and express emotion without having to memorize.
A “theater session” can last as long as you like; mine usually last about 45 minutes. But you can always just dramatize a “Dear Abby” column for 20 minutes of fun after dinner or during afternoon tea.
The more often you “play,” the easier it gets. So gather a loved one—or two or three or more—and dip your toes into the theatrical world of creativity and imagination.