Connecting Seniors Through Theatre On and Offstage

SCUGOG: Theatre on the Ridge is pleased to announce that, through Employment and Social Development Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, the company will launch a theatre-based program for seniors to offset the negative mental and emotional impacts of Covid, Funds in the amount of $25,000 will be used over the next year to give seniors a diverse opportunity to connect with themselves and others while enriching their life skills and regaining social connections. Through engagement and education, this program will provide seniors with access to creation, performance and behind-the-scenes experiences to expand their knowledge of the theatre process and performance through a variety of workshops and programming. Participants will also enrich their audience experience by attending local theatre productions with facilitated pre/post-performance conversations to encourage participation on a deeper level, enhancing their enjoyment of theatre. Theatre on the Ridge artistic director, Carey Nicholson says, “This is an exciting opportunity to re-emerge from the pandemic and re-establish that community engagement and enrichment that has been so difficult over the past two years, and we can’t wait to get started putting the program details together!” The details will come together through project coordinator, Michael Serres and the establishment of a program committee, made up of interested seniors, who will play a key role in determining the specific program content and activities within the program’s framework. Michael, well known locally as a theatre artist and educator, is looking forward to being a part of this project and said, “Theatre on the Ridge is blazing a trail of psychological recovery from this pandemic through this program, providing the means for seniors to re-connect, and to once again grow and flourish through new learning and new experiences. Program committee members, in particular, will play a vital role in shaping these experiences by sharing their knowledge and unique perspective on igniting our passion for living through creativity.” Recruitment for committee participants is already underway, and program activities will begin later in the spring, running through to March 2023. Anyone interested in joining the committee or learning more about the program can contact Michael Serres at info@theatre3x60.ca for more information. Stay up to date with all Theatre on the Ridge productions and events at www.theatreontheridge.ca and on Facebook and Instagram.