Theatre for Lifelong Learning

Theatre for Lifelong Learning is a step-by-step guide for anyone interested in teaching theatre courses and creating theatre with older adults.

This book provides instructors with syllabi, discussion questions, classroom management strategies, resource lists, and activities to teach courses from beginning to end. Special topics include Playwriting, Play Development, Storytelling, Theatre Appreciation, Theatre Criticism, Theatre History, and Theatre Theory.

This book helps readers become confident, informed instructors of older adult learners. Theatre for Lifelong Learning is a tool for anyone who wants to build theatrical communities and support the emotional well-being of older adults through education, practice, and experimentation while also having fun.

Theatre for Lifelong Learning is a complete guide to navigate the theatre classroom from beginning to end. Anyone can become a theatre expert and educator with practice. If you already have a background in performing arts, this book provides strategies that are useful for you as well. If you have experience as an educator, this book will enrich your current skill set with interdisciplinary approaches. Tips and examples throughout assist you in creating and maintaining an accessible environment and making courses your own. 

So how can teaching and learning about theatre help us live in the moment? When we are not engaged, it’s easy to forget that we are capable, curious, creative people who can expand our knowledge and experiences every day. Theatre encourages finding meaning in small things, chance encounters, and the tapestry of life. All the material provided in this book will motivate instructors and students to get involved.

It will be most useful for arts practitioners, participatory practitioners, institutional educators and community outreach officers, independent theatre instructors. Of potential interest to scholars and researchers in age studies, or in teaching and learning.  May also be useful for community arts organizations, regional theatres, and non-profit organizations working with older adults.