Arts Learning

We expected to reach 48 senior students (12 per 1-month session) and four artists with Living Out Loud, which we happily met. We drew our senior students from the activities programs at The Wilder Foundation in St Paul. The Wilder Foundation reaches seniors of many cultures, races and economic backgrounds. They serve more than 7,000 individuals and offer 40 direct service programs annually. We were privileged to be working with The Wilder Foundation and their community. More than 50% of the participating seniors served reported physical or mental disability, which reached our goal of accessibility. The teaching artists were members, staff and acting company. They ranged in cultural diversity, race and age between 25-70, which met our expectations. While our board has been working to approve our accessibility plan, we implemented many tools. Our class space was completely accessible to wheel chairs and other mobility devices. We offered large print scripts upon request. We strived to make sure our rehearsals and theatre are comfortable for every potential audience member and artist as they possibly can be. Participants were not required to memorize their scripts, and we provided ways to read from them during the classes and shows. We offered additional accommodations upon request, including interpreters. Participants were allowed and encouraged to bring additional assistance (family members, friends, caretakers) as needed to make sure their involvement is comfortable for them. Living Out Loud was offered as a free program for any senior interested in participating. It was completely funded by grant and contributor support, in order to make theater classes available to anyone who wishes to participate. 60 participants, aged 65 years-old or older, of which 50% identified as disabled attended theatre classes. 100% satisfaction with the partnership was reported.