The Watertown Players Proudly Present Our Senior Program
Guidelines for Watertown Players Senior Theatre Outreach Program
Research indicates that senior theatre outreach programs impact senior citizens by improving quality of life, building relationships, enhancing memory skills, improving self-esteem, and offering a creative expressive outlet through which they can share their experiences.
We are not licensed music therapists or drama therapists. We are a small group of individuals who comprise the Watertown Players Community Theater Board of Directors. We each have several years of performance and/or theater-related experience, and we wish to share our passion for drama and theatre to enhance the lives of seniors in our community.
The Watertown Players, Inc. wish to acknowledge the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Earl & Eugenia Quirk Foundation for grant funding which helped make this program possible.
Please review these guidelines carefully before submitting your request.
1. The Watertown Players Inc. reserve the right to decline any request.
2. Program requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to your requested date.
3. Your facility may request one program per month.
4. We have materials for a maximum of 15 residents to participate in a group at one time.
5. At least one member of your activity staff must be present for the duration of the program to encourage resident engagement, provide support, and handle resident care needs.
6. Due to our limited staff, the initial focus of this program will be Senior Care Facilities located in the greater Watertown, WI area.
7. Senior Theatre programs are led by a member of the Watertown Players Board of Directors. Because these individuals have full-time jobs outside of their involvement with the Watertown Players, their availability is limited during the week. At this time, we are able to provide Senior Theatre programs during the following days and times:
Monday, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Saturday or Sunday, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
8. Each a la carte program runs either 30 minutes or 45 minutes in duration. You may select up to 45 minutes worth of programming for one visit. We ask for an additional one hour prior to the program start time to set up our equipment. We also require 30 minutes after the program ends to pack up our equipment. It shall be the responsibility of the facility/activity personnel to set up chairs, arrange seating, etc. in the activity space prior to the start of the program. Access to an electrical outlet is required.
9. Programs are offered free of charge to the facility. However, the Watertown Players Inc. will graciously accept free will donations for this outreach service.
Our initial program is Stories for Seniors (Reading aloud). A member of our Watertown Players Senior Theater Outreach Team will visit your Senior Care Facility and read aloud to residents in a small group or individual one-to-one setting. Each scheduled visit will feature either the small group story reading which is one 30-45 minute session or up to two 30 minute one-to-one sessions. The program options aim to provide social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and enjoyment through literature. The Program focus is especially for those who may have difficulty reading independently due to age related issues. All of our Outreach Program members are seasoned performers who are delighted to share their passion for drama and literature with your residents.The selection of the material presented is at the sole discretion of the Watertown Players representative. We recommend a 30-minute session for Memory Care groups or a 45-minute session for higher functioning groups.
The following A la cart options will be added soon: Sing Along, Reader’s Theatre, and Senior Song Quiz!
Please email info@watertownplayers.org if you are interested in this program. Please include your name, email address, your phone number, the name and location of your care facility, the residents’ level of care, and your date preference (refer to #7 above for availability).