Across the globe, World Theatre Day (March 27) serves as a time to celebrate and reflect on the role of theatre and its ability to bring communities and hearts together, foster dialogue, and blend cultural perspectives.
Studies show that participation in theatre and other aspects of performing arts can provide robust intellectual and emotional stimulation for seniors, promoting both cognitive function and engagement. Throughout Ingleside’s communities, programs centering around theatre and performing arts offer in-depth opportunities for residents to engage socially with one another as well as with staff. For example, during the month of March, a group of 36 Westminster at Lake Ridge (WLR) residents attended a local musical starring a WLR staff member to show their support.
Cameron (Cam) Powell, an events coordinator at WLR who balances both his role of working with residents while also juggling his lifelong passion for acting, performed in the latest show with Prince William Little Theater — a production of “The Secret Garden” — which sparked excitement among residents.
“I started music and performance pretty early on at a young age,” he said. “I got a leading role in Peter Pan as a fifth grader, and I have loved it ever since.”
When he isn’t spearheading events at WLR or assisting the cultural arts manager in finding enriching experiences for residents, Cam can be found under stage lights at various theatres throughout Washington DC ‘s metro area.
The Manassas production featured spectacular musical performances by some of the best vocal talents in the greater DC theater community. Based on a 1900s novel, the Secret Garden musical resonated with several community members who read the story and rallied together to support the Ingleside staff member during his opening night at the community theatre.
“It really was an easy pitch to have residents sign up and come see it because it’s a story that they already know from reading the book,” Cam said. “It is incredible to have such dedicated residents that really care and want to make sure that I am succeeding in every aspect of my life.”
For seniors, theatre can stimulate memories and creativity, helping residents to connect with past experiences and express themselves. Upon joining the community’s staff, Cam said he was surprised to discover how deeply the arts are embedded across WLR’s programs.
“We have a chorus group and a play-reading group that does bi-annual performances,” he said. “There is something here at WLR for everyone with a passion for the arts.”
WLR’s creative environment has inspired Cam to forge a relationship between his arts and theatre community and residents. The events coordinator shared that he envisions bringing performers to WLR for seasonal events, an exciting way to bridge the gap and combine his theater network with his event-planning efforts at the senior living community.
“During Christmas concerts, for example. I can bring in a bunch of my theatre friends and we’ll sing Christmas carols,” Cam said. “Something simple like that can bring so much joy to our community and to the residents.”
For more information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge community involvement and volunteer programs, contact (240) 557-2918 or visit https://inglesideonline.org/westminster-lake-ridge/.
To learn more about performances at the Prince William Little Theatre, visit https://www.pwlt.org/.