Drama

“Under the guise of play and pretend, we can – for once – act in new ways. The bit of distance from real life afforded by drama enables us to gain perspective on our real-life roles and patterns and actions, and to experiment actively with alternatives.” (Renee Emunah, PhD, RDT/BCT, Director of the Drama Therapy Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies)

The therapeutic value of drama for adults with disabilities is widely acknowledged. It’s effective in improving motor function, cognitive function, and quality of life; can encourage self-discovery and emotional growth; and can provide emotional and physical integration, along with other benefits.

As an active experience, drama therapy provides a framework which encourages and allows people to tell their own stories, express feelings, set goals and solve problems.

Now an established addition to our programme our drama lessons are proving to be very popular helping to develop self-esteem, social interaction and confidence.

Drama activities are a good way to assist building confidence in public speaking and engaging in the physical characteristics of acting. Improvisational games are positive drama activities for adults with disabilities. They can develop communication by encouraging listening, notably the feeling of being listened to, and reacting.

The sessions take place in a warm, inclusive and non-judgemental environment.  The first part of the session includes “warm-up” activities which encourage imagination, communication, self-expression and use of memory. Following on from these activities the group is split into smaller workshops who then devise and act out playlets.

Each term we work towards an end of term production which can be as diverse as Shakespeare or a pantomime!