GNAG’s acting classes for seniors

Less about acting and more about laughing
By John Muggleton

The two things I hear the most when people inquire about Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group’s (GNAG’s) Studio 55 acting classes for seniors are “I’m curious but I really have no desire to be an actor” and “I am afraid of memorizing lines and being put on the spot!” The answers to these question are, “That’s fine, because that’s not really what these acting classes are about” and “memorizing lines is not required and you are never put on the spot…ever.”

As a 57-year-old actor, director, playwright and acting instructor with 35 years’ experience, I have seen, and continue to see, the incredible mental and physical health benefits of acting classes. Laughing, socializing, being creative and making friends as we get older is so important, it is essential that we stretch and exercise our minds not just our bodies! Theatre games and exercises, many experts say, are exactly the kind of brain-stimulating and creative activities that can help maintain and perhaps improve memory and overall cognitive health, not to mention enhance one’s engagement with life. All without ever having to memorize a line! Simply making the effort to learn new skills can be beneficial, whether it’s learning the dramatic arts, painting or playing games like chess and bridge (which GNAG also offers!).

So what exactly is GNAG’s Studio 55?

What began 10 years ago as a one-off acting workshop tailored to those 55 plus and with no experience, has evolved into a weekly series of afternoon acting classes that run in the fall, winter and spring. At the outset, I, along with fellow acting instructor Chris Ralph, wanted to offer classes with an emphasis on fun rather than the more serious evening classes geared towards aspiring actors.

Glebe resident Denise Shannon has taken many classes and along with the acting, enjoys the social element each week. “After retiring, I was looking for a new way to stretch myself and meet people,” she says. “I hadn’t done drama since I was in high school and I had some doubt about whether or not it would be my thing, but after the first class I was hooked! I love it and have made so many great and supportive friends.” This past Christmas, Shannon auditioned for and was cast in Ottawa Little Theatre’s production of Miracle on 34th Street. “I would never have been able to audition, let alone be cast, if it wasn’t for the Studio 55 classes.”

Although some of the members enjoy doing community theatre, most are content with just doing the weekly afternoon class. Don Westwood, a retired Carleton University professor is one of them. The “elder statesman” of the group, Westwood, who holds the record for attending the most classes, has been an Ottawa actor for decades. At 87 however, the afternoon classes are enough and allow him to stay involved with the creative work of the theatre. “The weekly class is the highlight of my week. I look forward to seeing friends, laughing and working on scenes or short plays. There is always something to learn.” Westwood explained. “I get to enjoy the thrill of acting and theatre without the commitment and having to worry about lines. These classes are essential for me.”

Those who may be interested or simply curious about the Studio 55 afternoon classes are invited to attend an open-house class on May 9 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Glebe Community Centre. Meet me (the instructor), along with a few regular members, and find out how acting classes have enriched people’s lives, created social circles and caused lots and lots of laughter. Because we can all use more of that these days. If you  are planning to attend the open-house class, or should you have any questions, please email john@gnag.ca to reserve a spot. You don’t need to bring anything other than a sense of fun!

John Muggleton is adult program manager at Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG), and instructor of the Studio 55 acting class.

Photo:
John Muggleton