Arts in Action classes, now underway at four sites within Winter Park and Maitland thanks to support from the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF), are experiencing early success in engaging older adults in performance based arts programs.  The classes, designed for adults 60 years of age and older, meet once per week for ninety minutes with each course consisting of eight lessons.  Initial offerings include Play it Out, which teaches the basics of stage acting, and Just Sing, an introductory course in vocal performance.  Students have shared the following comments in regard to their experience thus far:

Through Play it Out, participants learn how to expand their imagination to inhabit characters.

“The coaching is wonderful.  It keeps my brain going, learning and applying new things.  It encourages me and give me more confidence.”

“It has been a wonderful experience. It boosts my self-confidence and I’ve met a lot of new people.”

The classes are a “very safe place to try new things.”

One participant decided to take a class because she had seen her daughter perform as part of the choir of Titanic, a Central Florida Community Arts production.  Witnessing her daughter’s joy motivated the mother to enroll in the Just Sing class where she has since expanded her social life and skills.

Through Just Sing, participants discover the beauty of their individual voice and the joy music brings.

“It is exciting to see these classes accomplishing exactly what we had hoped; providing opportunities for older adults to improve their health and wellbeing through learning among their peers.  I am inspired by their willingness to challenge themselves through creative expression,” said Diana Silvey, WPHF Vice President.

Central Florida Community Arts is the recipient of a three-year, $130,000 grant from WPHF.  The second session of classes will begin October 16 and run through December 8, 2017.  Storytelling and dance classes will be featured.  To learn more visit http://cfcarts.com/artsinaction/.