Performance-In-A-Box: Storytelling for Seniors
Performance-In-A-Box is a therapeutic drama initiative for residents of Austin nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It is designed to assist Activity Directors in bringing drama activities to their facilities and getting residents of all cognitive levels involved in theater games, storytelling, dramatic performance, and creative improvisation.
Activity Directors will have access to one of two 'Performance-in-A-Box' kits and a drama facilitator who will help lead the activities with residents. The program can be tailored so that it suits both higher-functioning residents and those with memory impairments. Specific activities will be available to those with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia.
One important part of the program is recording stories. Using the StoryCorps Memory Loss Initiative model, interviews with residents with be recorded and uploaded to the National Archive, and made available to residents' families. A Moth-style event called "Seniors Telling Tales" is also in the works,