Theatre for Lifelong Learning: A Handbook for Instructors, Older Adults, Communities, and Artists

Theatre for Lifelong Learning is a comprehensive guide for teaching theatre courses to older adults, offering syllabi, discussion questions, classroom management strategies, resource lists, and activities. It covers special topics such as playwriting, play development, storytelling, theatre appreciation, theatre criticism, theatre history, and theatre theory. The book helps readers become confident, informed instructors of older adult learners, promoting education, practice, and experimentation while having fun. It is useful for arts practitioners, participatory practitioners, institutional educators, community outreach officers, independent theatre instructors, scholars, and researchers in age studies, teaching and learning, and community arts organizations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Intellect Books

Theatre for Lifelong Learning is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in teaching theatre courses and creating theatre with older adults. This book offers instructors a wealth of resources, including syllabi, discussion questions, classroom management strategies, resource lists, and activities to facilitate teaching courses from start to finish. Special topics covered include playwriting, play development, storytelling, theatre appreciation, theatre criticism, theatre history, and theatre theory. By utilizing the insights and techniques provided in this book, readers can develop the confidence and expertise necessary to become effective instructors of older adult learners.

Theatre for Lifelong Learning is not just a book; it is a tool that empowers individuals to build theatrical communities and support the emotional well-being of older adults. Through education, practice, and experimentation, readers can explore the rich and diverse world of theatre while having fun and engaging in meaningful experiences. Whether you have a background in performing arts or are an educator looking to enhance your skills, this book offers valuable insights and practical strategies to help you succeed in the theatre classroom.

One of the key benefits of teaching and learning about theatre is that it encourages individuals to live in the present moment. When we are engaged in theatrical activities, we are fully present and focused on the task at hand. This can help us to forget about our worries and concerns and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us. Theatre also provides a platform for exploring and expressing emotions, which can be particularly helpful for older adults who may be experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness.

In addition to its emotional benefits, theatre can also be a powerful tool for learning and personal development. By studying theatre theory and history, readers can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, social issues, and cultural values. Theatre also offers opportunities for creativity and self-expression, which can help individuals to develop their artistic skills and discover their passions.

Theatre for Lifelong Learning is designed to be accessible to a wide range of readers, including arts practitioners, participatory practitioners, institutional educators, and anyone else who is interested in exploring the world of theatre. The book is organized in a clear and concise manner, with each chapter focusing on a specific topic and providing step-by-step instructions and examples to help readers implement the techniques and strategies discussed.

One of the standout features of this book is its emphasis on creating an accessible and inclusive theatre environment. The author recognizes that older adults may have physical or cognitive limitations that can make it challenging to participate in theatrical activities. Therefore, the book provides tips and examples for adapting theatre exercises and activities to meet the needs of older adults, including using assistive technology and modifying performance spaces to accommodate mobility issues.

Another valuable aspect of Theatre for Lifelong Learning is its focus on interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. The author recognizes that theatre is not just a discipline in its own right but can be integrated with other subjects such as history, literature, and social sciences to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences. By incorporating interdisciplinary approaches, readers can develop a broader understanding of the world and their place in it while also gaining valuable skills and knowledge in the process.

In conclusion, Theatre for Lifelong Learning is a must-read for anyone interested in teaching theatre courses and creating theatre with older adults. This comprehensive guide provides instructors with a wealth of resources, strategies, and examples to help them succeed in the theatre classroom. Whether you are an experienced educator or a newcomer to the field, this book will empower you to build theatrical communities, support the emotional well-being of older adults, and explore the rich and diverse world of theatre. So why wait? Start your journey towards becoming a theatre expert and educator today!

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789384925
Edition number: New ed