Improvisation At Club 36

Calgary’s Inside Out Theatre has partnered with Alzheimer Society of Calgary’s Club 36 program to deliver a fun and interactive improv theatre experience for our Adult Day Program members.

Several years ago, Inside Out Theatre approached us to test a six-week pilot program for people living with dementia. Inside Out’s team developed a unique program focused on the healing power of improv for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

“It’s confidence-building, risk-taking physical activity, and they’re not going to hear ‘no we can’t do that’,” says Inside Out facilitator Karen. “Instead, it’s ‘we’re all going to do it together’ and it becomes a shared experience.”

We go with the flow

Key to the success of the program is that improv requires zero preparation or memorization. It’s about playing, going with the flow and being in the moment. Club members were initially cautious but soon came to let go and enjoy the process.

“The program is based on the simple idea of taking improv exercises and games and leading Calgarians with dementia through them. The goal is to bring an hour of laughter, joy, and creativity into the lives of folks who are dealing with a difficult part of their life and to do it in a way that sets them up for success,” says Col, facilitator.

The program plays to the strengths of the individuals and identifies them as funny, creative, intelligent people.