Seniors can weave memories into performance at Vernon Area Library

Life Story Theatre, a three-week series at the Vernon Area Public Library, encourages participants to share memories and then weaves together stories in a creative and musical fashion. The series meets from 9:30-10:45 a.m. three consecutive Thursdays, Oct. 20 to Nov. 3.

Life Story Theatre provides a comfortable setting with a group of peers for a unique, memory-stirring experience. In small-group workshops, musician and director Barbara Silverman encourages participants to share memories, then skillfully guides their artistic expression, while weaving together these memories into a performance with vintage music. These joyful and candid stories become part of a final performance for family and friends in the last class.

"Creative aging" is an increasingly popular movement to engage older adults in active programs with a focus on social engagement and skills mastery. This often involves providing opportunities for meaningful creative expression through visual, literary or performing arts workshops.

Life Story Theatre is the brainchild of Barbara Silverman. A faculty member at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Silverman has been in arts education for 25 years. She is a folk musician and soloist and with several Chicago-area bands, known for bluesy vocals, solid swing guitar and impressive washboard skills. Silverman has presented the concept of Life Story Theatre at national and regional conferences for the American Society on Aging, universities, and health and wellness institutions.

The Life Story Theater series is free and open to all. Registration is recommended. Participants can register online at calendar.vapld.info, by telephone at (224) 543-1485, or in person at any public service desk in the library.