Storming the Stage

Graduates of our Third Age performance programme, storming the stage and discovering the joy of being seen and heard. By a full house no less! The fundamentals of improvisation theatre (improv) were used to build a range of skills before participants embarked on a devised theatre process that begun with a blank canvas, slowly coloured by the histories and the idea of the people in the room.

RNZ – National

As the graduates of our Third Act performance programme head into production week, the show’s Director chats with Jesse on RNZ National. Take a listen here.

Applied Performance

For those living with advanced dementia, the opportunity to playfully perform alongside a skilled improvisor allows for an absolute freedom of self expression and the opportunity to take an adventure back in time or into the imagination. We have developed this team performance approach to support active participation in a creative activity where agency and dignity take centre stage.

New Programme

Following a very successfully pilot in partnership with Dementia Wellington, we have launched a new programme of classes for those in our community living with a diagnosis of dementia. Exercises adapted from improvisational theatre are used to gently stretch the brain and keep the mind active and creative. This group is full of play, laughter, and connection.

Listen

Settle back with a cuppa and listen to this great podcast interview all about Voice Arts and what got us here!

Living Playfully with Dementia

The opportunity to be performative without judgement brings a great aliveness to people. We’ve been bringing that opportunity to the wonderful folk at the Young Onset Dementia Action Trust.

Belonging

We are now able to share with the big wide world this beautiful short film we made last year with a group of 30+ older actors. The film explores experiences of belonging and not belonging.

https://vimeo.com/581385349

48 Hour Film Festival

Our fabulous Newtown Social Drama group gave themselves an extra challenge by taking on the 48 hours film festival. It was a busy and thoroughly joyful weekend.

Conference – From History to Our Story

Thanks to funding from the Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund, our Creative Director was able to attend the international applied improvisation / performance conference held in Avila, Spain. The theme of the conference was “From History to Our Story.” The conference was attended by over 100 delegates from 19 different countries and provided an opportunity for our Director to network with experts in the field and to hear first hand about the latest research and application of performance as a tool for development and wellbeing. We’ve shared our learnings in person and with our sector, and we share it here with you.