Participants of Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.’s (PVI) Adult Day Program at Rosener House and their caregivers experienced an engaging afternoon of improvisational acting on Monday, April 7th, led by Red Ladder Theatre Company.
Karen Altree Piemme, Director of Red Ladder, kicked off the session by emphasizing the importance of creativity, stating, “Imagination is like a muscle. We need to consistently exercise it.” She then introduced Red Ladder actors Carlos Aguirre, Georgia Ball, Nicole Javier, and Vivienne Truong, who guided the attendees through creative prompts.
The session began with a unique icebreaker, asking participants to consider what style of music and instrument they would be. Answers ranged from a vibrant R&B drum kit to a lively trumpet, setting a playful tone for the afternoon. The group then divided into smaller teams, tasked with creating scenes centered around enjoying music in a chosen location. Participants were encouraged to explore the “who, what, and why” of their scenarios, allowing for imaginative freedom.
Creativity is central to us as people. We are most connected to others when being creative.
– Karen Altree Piemme, Director of Red Ladder Theatre Company
The resulting scenes were met with laughter and applause. One group staged a spring wedding where musical genres were paired with hors d’oeuvres, such as classical piano with caviar and polka with sausages. Another depicted a magical radio that brought a rock-and-roll-loving Frankenstein monster to life.
Shanah Hawk, PVI Rosener House Manager, concluded the activity by expressing her gratitude to Red Ladder Theatre Company for their ongoing partnership and to the family caregivers for their participation.
Creativity for Individuals with Dementia
Engaging in creative activities, particularly improvisational acting, can offer a wealth of benefits for individuals living with dementia. These person-centered approaches tap into preserved cognitive abilities, fostering connection, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being.
Improv acting, with its emphasis on spontaneity and collaboration, can help individuals with dementia by:
- Boosting Communication: Encouraging non-verbal communication, active listening, and responding in the moment, even when verbal communication becomes challenging.
- Enhancing Emotional Expression: Offering a safe and creative outlet for expressing emotions, which can be particularly beneficial when verbal expression is limited.
- Stimulating Cognition: Engaging memory, attention, and problem-solving skills in a playful and non-threatening way.
- Improving Mood and Reducing Agitation: Providing a sense of purpose, joy, and accomplishment, which can help alleviate anxiety and agitation.
- Reducing Isolation and Fostering Social Connection: Providing a supportive and engaging environment for interaction, reducing feelings of loneliness, and promoting a sense of belonging.
By focusing on the present moment and embracing spontaneity, creative activities like improv offer a powerful and person-centered approach to enriching the lives of individuals living with dementia, fostering moments of joy, connection, and self-expression.
About Red Ladder Theatre Company:
Red Ladder Theatre Company, founded in 1992, is a nationally recognized and award-winning social justice theatre company based in the Bay Area. They utilize improvisational theatre techniques to empower under-resourced community members, fostering positive life skills and amplifying marginalized voices through creative expression. Learn more at www.redladder.org/about-us
About PVI Adult Day Services at Rosener House:
PVI’s Adult Day Services at Rosener House provides a supportive environment for seniors with cognitive challenges and chronic conditions, as well as their caregivers. Their therapeutic interventions promote health, independence, and dignity for individuals living with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia while also offering respite and support for family caregivers. Learn more at www.1pvi.org/rosenerhouse
Media Contact:
Rebecca Matteson Nelson, Director of Development
650-272-5002 | [email protected]
