Enlarging the Place: Adapting the Community Theatre Rehearsal Process for Elderly Persons, Persons with Mobility Impairment, and Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Every civilization on the planet has some form of theatre. Musical theatre is primarily an American art form. It can be enjoyed by everyone. Enjoyment of any art form is increased by knowledge of and participation in the field and amateur productions allow non-professionals to take part in this collaborative activity. All ages and abilities can participate at various levels, from the smallest child to the wheelchair bound adult. It is my firm belief that taking part in a community theatre production is a creative and worthwhile way to express oneself, foster friendships, develop talents, and perpetuate this uniquely American art form. I researched methods of adapting the musical theatre rehearsal process for different groups of amateurs. Among these groups I focused on the needs of elderly persons, persons with mobility impairment, and persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is my wish to best adapt traditional rehearsal techniques to suit these and other groups. By seeking out the basic problems for working with specialized groups and by finding workable solutions for each, we will thereby better enable ourselves to work with all of them. I outlined the general rehearsal process and made practical suggestions for working with and encouraging participation by these groups. In producing their best work, the participants foster a sense of community and strengthen their areas of weakness.

Grantor dc:publisher

State University of New York at Buffalo

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Floro, Beth Ann; 0000-0003-0746-6877

Contributors dc:contributor

• d'Amato, Alison
• Theatre and Dance

• Theater
• Performing arts

Statement dc:rights

• Users of works found in University at Buffalo Institutional Repository (UBIR) are responsible for identifying and contacting the copyright owner for permission to reuse. University at Buffalo Libraries do not manage rights for copyright-protected works and cannot assist with permissions.
• Copyright retained by author.

Language dc:language

eng

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10477/78059

OAI record oai:identifier

https://ubir.buffalo.edu/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=qdc&identifier=oai%3Aubir.buffalo.edu%3A10477%2F78059