[Photo: Stoneridge Creek senior living community in Pleasanton. Ca. hosts a weekly improv class. Courtesy Christian Trujano | Pleasanton Weekly]
Stoneridge Creek residents are taking center stage in a unique improv club. Participants are challenged to think quickly and creatively, which is crucial for this age demographic.
The art studio where the improv students meet every Friday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM is full of laughs as they experiment with the art of improvisation. The club was started by resident Kathy Mello, who’s done improv for most of her life and worked at the Improv Playhouse of San Francisco.
She says the class allows participants to put their minds to work while having fun and challenging themselves.
“It’s just so good,” Mello told The Independent during an interview. “And the camaraderie is wonderful. I’ve seen friendships grow and people get stronger and build confidence. It is so important for anyone at any age. Confidence sees you through.”
There are no right or wrong answers in improv, and the class emphasizes the importance of not taking oneself too seriously. The club is so popular that Kathy had to cap the number of students to 20 people and add a waiting list.
One of the Bay Area senior living community residents who joined the class, Denise Evans, says she wanted to give improv a shot and has enjoyed the fun atmosphere that encourages residents to think outside the box while cheering each other on.
“I was so into drama for so long that I was so happy to try something new,” Evans told the Pleasanton Weekly. “And Kathy made it so easy that it wasn’t frightening.”
The diverse group consists of retirees, including engineers, nurses and teachers.
They emphasize that no acting experience is necessary to join; the only requirement is a willingness to let go, be silly, and have fun. While some participants are initially nervous, they quickly find the experience exciting, challenging, and a great way to focus on their minds.
“Watching what I think is happening with my students, being appreciated by them and them coming up to me and telling me how much this means to them, it has meant a lot to me,” Mellow told Pleasanton Weekly. “I just love watching them improve. They’re becoming improvisers.”
The benefits go beyond the stage. Studies show that improvisational gameplay, like that used in the improv club at Stoneridge Creek, can help seniors flex their mental muscles and could positively impact those with memory loss.
“It has kept me in my world,” Mello said. “It’s kept it alive for me.”
Staying Vibrant in Senior Living at Stoneridge Creek
Achieving healthy aging requires a comprehensive approach that nurtures physical, mental and emotional well-being. Since opening our doors, Stoneridge Creek residents and team members have worked together to incorporate these strategies. The end result is a community where residents feel empowered to preserve their overall health, and independence and achieve a meaningful lifestyle.
Our life enrichment calendar is just the foundation of activities our residents enjoy. So, what’s stopping you from starting a new club or rediscovering a favorite pastime like Kathy Mello did? Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community and discover that vibrant lifestyle you’ve been searching for.