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"Improv for Parkinson's"

We are proud to partner with Parkinson Canada to offer our Improv for Parkinson's program!

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Our programs explore themes such as presence, celebrating mistakes and teamwork - and - applies improv skills to life with PD.

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We offer Level 1 and Level 2. Both programs are six weeks long and meet virtually on Zoom.

 

For participants who have completed both levels, we also have the Parkinson's Performance Troupe

-- now in its 12th season!

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This program was developed with Tightrope Theatre.

As someone living with Parkinson's disease, I've found immense value in participating in improv classes. These sessions aren't just about honing skills like voice modulation and masking; they're about embracing a unique creative outlet. In the supportive atmosphere of the class, I feel liberated to explore my inner feelings and express myself authentically. 
- Clara, PD Performance member and Improv for Parkinson's graduate.

Media

& Resources

Ask An Expert: PD Brain Health and Coping Through Improv

A panel discussion hosted by the Parkinson Society of British Columbia with Dr. Jonathan Squires (movement disorder specialist), Dan Dumsha (Tightrope Theatre’s Director of Improv for Work and Wellness), and Peter Jarvis (Tightrope Theatre's Improv for PD faculty and Parkinson’s performance troupe member), that aims to broaden our understanding of the important role improvisation (improv) can play in managing Parkinson’s. The discussion will include an explanation about improv, how it can benefit those with Parkinson’s, and what to expect from engagement in an improv program.

Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s

This episode explores how theater and improvisation can be helpful tools in managing PD.

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Catch Improv for Work & Wellness' Dan Dumsha and Rosemary Morrison speaking about our Improv for Parkinson's Program.

Laughter is the best medicine: The Second City® improvisation as an

intervention for Parkinson's disease

PD Performance Troupe

PD Performance Troupe

PD Performance Troupe
PD Performance Troupe - Word Association

PD Performance Troupe - Word Association

03:58
PD Performance Troupe - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

PD Performance Troupe - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

04:10
PD Performance Troupe - Quiz Show

PD Performance Troupe - Quiz Show

01:17
The most enjoyable and helpful thing about this course was entering into chambers of our being that haven't been open for a while and shaking the dust off.
 
- Barb, Improv for Parkinson's participant
"I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone. Laughter is the best medicine and in this group, you will learn to laugh a lot.”
- Karen, Improv for Parkinson's participant

Our

Partners

mount sinai nyc logo
parkinson's canada logo
parkinson's foundation logo
PSBC logo
myerson jcc nyc logo
pd avengers logo
APDA Logo
improv for work & wellness logo
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We acknowledge that we live, work and play on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish (Vancouver) and Lenape (New York City) peoples.

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