Effect of Participation in an Intergenerational Theater Production

ABSTRACT

The Intergenerational Theater (IGT) Production project was implemented to provide an opportunity to promote the interactions between the generations. The purpose of this study was to conduct a formal evaluation of the effect participation in an IGT production had on child and youth participants’ attitudes toward aging and the effect participation had on the older adults’ level of satisfaction. The youth group had significant positive changes in attitudes toward older adults from baseline to follow-up, with little change for the child group. Older adults noted that the experience had a positive effect on meaningfulness, purpose and accomplishments. These results support the benefits of participation in IGT productions.

KEYWORDS:

• Intergenerational
• theater
• attitudes toward aging

Acknowledgments

The site IGT production teams are recognized for their efforts in the administration of the participant surveys as well as the superb job in making the production a highlight for the community. Participants (as well as their parents) are acknowledged for recognizing the importance of the IGT experience for their personal growth and their contribution to the production. Finally, the authors appreciate the excitement and support for the IGT by the past CEO of The Goodman Group, the late John Goodman, for without him this project would not have been possible.

Declaration of interest statement

None of the co-authors have a conflict of interest related to this study.