Creative Ageing

Theatre Makers

Our Theatre Makers programme gives people of all ages the opportunity to meet, make connections and develop skills, and to champion unique, unheard voices. Each project supports our community of participants to share, perform, or exhibit stories influenced by lived experiences and the world we live in. Participants don’t have to be a creative or an artist to join in, they just need a willingness to explore a life stage of new beginnings.

As part of our Creative Ageing programme, we have run a selection of Theatre Makers workshops specifically for those aged 50 and over. These projects started in 2022 with several open forums which asked communities about what sort of projects they would like to support their cultural journeys, followed by a week in-residency.

Past Projects

Dance

As part of our Creative Ageing programme.

Ballet

For those returning to ballet or trying it for the first time, our Ballet sessions are designed to support participants at every stage of their journey. Our experienced practitioner guides the group through gentle yet effective exercises that promote flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. This group learns new skills and experiences the joy of movement while improving posture and boosting energy. And it’s a fun, social way to stay fit and active.

Dance Lab

Regardless of ability or experience, Dance Lab provides a fun, inclusive and adaptable space to move and connect with oneself and others. Through a range of contemporary, expressive dance styles, this accessible group creates new narratives through movement. Dance Lab is open to everyone at any level, and we can accommodate for specific access needs.

Northern Ballet workshops

We are proud to host Northern Ballet productions regularly throughout the year. Led by Northern Ballet dancers, these on-stage workshops give participants the chance to embrace the joy of dance theatre on our main stage. This is a magical experience for dancers of any experience level.

Theatre Cares

Theatre Cares brings together individuals with mild to moderate dementia and their carers/partners for engaging and participatory music workshops that spark joy, curiosity and new friendships!

Research has proven that music improves the wellbeing of people living with dementia and can be a positive shared experience between loved ones. In our Theatre Cares programme we explore music in all its forms, from singing and song-writing, to getting hands-on with drums, chimes, and stringed and small percussion instruments.

Our practitioners Tessa and Duncan are experienced in working with those with dementia, creating a safe space for individuals to feel at ease and connect with their creativity. Workshops are relaxed and set to a leisurely pace with small groups allowing for maximum contact with practitioners.

“These sessions are really important to me because I can see the benefit that R is gaining from them. He is lifted which lifts me, and he really enjoys playing his music for other people and people appreciating that and it’s just lovely to see him so invigorated. There are few things now that do that.”
– Participant, Theatre Cares

Kindness Short: Theatre Cares – A Life in Music

To celebrate Creative Matters: Kindness through Creativity, Norwich Theatre released a series of short videos from its Take Part groups, including Theatre Cares – A Life in Music. 

Using creative mediums such as songwriting, singing, dancing, and physical theatre, each group created its own performance piece inspired by the theme of kindness and its own interpretation of what kindness means.  You can watch the short film here.

In 2025, Theatre Cares is supported by Norfolk Community Foundation through the Connecting Older People Fund.

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