Therapeutic Theatre as a process for the inclusion of students with mild dementia in Adult Community Education courses

Oct 15, 2026

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Therapeutic theatre, derived from drama therapy, is examined as a process to support inclusion of learners with mild dementia in adult community education. Guided by a research question on how people living with mild dementia use therapeutic theatre to engage in ACE courses, the study analyzes participant case material and educator observations of pre- and post-performance outcomes. Themes highlight structures, processes, and tools such as improvisation, co-creation, and performance to foster achievement, confidence, and self-esteem in community learning contexts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Dementia and adult community education context

Therapeutic Theatre and research question

Case study: “Amelia-Rose” and performance development

Literature

Drama therapy, therapeutic theatre and dementia

Evidence of drama-based interventions for mild dementia

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FAQs

What is therapeutic theatre in relation to drama therapy in this study?

Therapeutic theatre is presented as an intentional use of drama and/or theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals through performance outcomes for participants.

How did the participant in the study engage with the adult community education course?

The participant was supported to develop a 30-minute fairytale performance, using a strengths-based, person-centred process with improvisation and co-creation to rebuild confidence and sense of achievement.

What themes are highlighted about the therapeutic theatre process?

The article identifies themes around structures and processes, including specific tools such as improvisation, co-creation, and performance, contributing to meaning making and mastery.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Himbo