Seniors' Joy in Sedgebrook Scene Study Workshop Is No Act
Sarah Hall's grandmother lived 104 years of life, fiercely committed to staying engaged in the world around her.
"She was the perfect representation of someone who kept herself intellectually and socially involved," said Hall, actress and owner of Sarah Hall Theatre Company, who is leading seniors at Sedgebrook retirement community in Lincolnshire in a scene study workshop.
"My grandmother was my inspiration in so many ways, and when she passed away two years ago, I missed being with older adults," said Hall in explanation of why she added senior workshops (including improv, play reading and scene study) to her program offerings.
Beginning with about 10 participants, the workshop grew quickly to over 20 enthusiastic members. According to Hall, it appeals to a population that appreciates the more intellectual components of theater, encompassing education about particular plays and playwrights, two-person scene portrayals that chronologically span an entire play, and other aspects of the theatre.
"They're fearless," said Hall of the participants who run the gamut from those who've always wanted to be in a play, but never had the chance, to those for whom the theatre is familiar ground. Others just want to watch and listen, and there is no expectation to attend every workshop or put on a performance outside of the class, though that may come in time, said Hall.
"Theater activities engage the mind and memory in a nurturing environment. Most of all, we have a lot of fun, playing games and being silly and laughing with one another. Seniors have far fewer reservations than younger people, and they just love being in the moment with me and one another.
Their gratitude is overwhelming. It's an incredible journey, and being with them is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," said Hall, who leads older adult workshops throughout the Chicagoland area as well as children and adults through the Glencoe and Deerfield park districts.
A seasoned actress with advanced degrees in the fine arts, live theatre experience and recent appearances on the Dick Wolfe TV series Chicago Justice, Hall and her husband, a former actor, lived in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles before returning to Hall's native Glencoe 12 years ago. The couple have two young daughters who have been their mother's students at her theatre company.
Throughout her career, Hall (whose professional acting name is Sarah Denison) has always instructed children and adults in the dramatic arts, even while acting. While her parents and siblings were not involved in theatre, their encouragement of her endeavors has been invaluable. "I'm so lucky to have had their support all my life."
As for her grandmother, she would have been proud. "She was my number one fan," said Hall. "She would have had such deep appreciation for what I'm doing."
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.