DETROIT – A Metro Detroit theater company is working to ensure acting training is accessible to people of all ages.
Every other week, a team from Michigan Stage gathers in a room with residents at All Seasons Birmingham.
They spend time performing improvisational exercises, acting out stories, and other theater games.
“It was very quick when I came here,” said Anita Baron. “I didn’t plan on coming here. I said, ‘What am I going to do here? I don’t belong here.’ But I found out quite early that I was here, that I do belong here.”
Michigan Stage is an Oakland County-based professional theater company and nonprofit that offers year-round community programming.
“We started this program with youth, kindergartners through 12th graders,” said Tim Pare, Artistic Director and CEO of Michigan Stage. “We always knew there were stories to be told in this demographic.”
The students in this class are tapping into their creative sides through storytelling and various exercises.
The theater classes are designed to be a safe space.
“Well, it’s a way to express yourself,” said Nancy Doughty.
The 90-year-old said the theater training allows her to be vulnerable without being judged.
“I know I’m an introvert,” Doughty said. “So, this gives you permission to do things that I wouldn’t normally do.”
Through the acting classes, people are encouraged to tap into a range of emotions. Each week, the participants’ skills expand, and they say friendships are growing.
All Seasons Birmingham’s staff is also noticing significant changes.
“I also saw a great change in their mood,” said Heather Solomon, Director of Life Enrichment at All Seasons Birmingham. “They are happier and laughing. The sounds of joy and bursts of laughter coming out of the room, and it’s just so exciting.”
Pare and the team at Michigan Stage said programs like this prove that access to the arts is essential, regardless of age or ability.
“This is a great thing,” Baron said. “It may look foolish, but it isn’t. It does something to you.”
Click here to learn more about Michigan Stage, its productions, and its community-based programs.
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