Project: SWAP Senior Theatre Workshop
Mississauga Players used their ArtsCare Program Development MicroGrant to produce the SWAP (Say It, Write It, Act It, & Perform It) Senior Theatre Workshop. Running from September 6 to November 29, 2024, the program culminated in two live performances on December 6 at Maja Prentice Theatre, drawing a total audience of 220 people.
The program engaged 15 seniors in every aspect of theatre production, from creative writing and acting to directing and stage management. Participants also collaborated on costumes, props, and set design, gaining hands-on experience in creating a live theatre show from start to finish. Four artists were paid to assist with the program, and additional volunteer artists were brought in to assist with the final performances.
The second show played to a full house, and feedback from participants, family, and audience members was overwhelmingly positive. The project positively impacted participant well-being, “fostering social connection, artistic development, and inclusion within the community.”
This has been an invaluable artistic experience, as we have seen firsthand how our talent and artistic abilities can have a positive impact on the community. We learned that theatre, in all its forms, has the power to adapt to people of different ages and backgrounds, and it can be a powerful tool for promoting inclusion and well-being. This project has challenged us to test our creativity, flexibility, and ability to adapt to the participants’ needs, bringing out the best in ourselves and strengthening our artistic practice.
Mississauga Players Theatre Group
