Creative Stretch with Downstage
Time to read: under 2 minutes
As theatre artists, we are continually finding ways to be playful, resourceful and imaginative. Many of us have a daily practice that keeps us open to new inspirations. For almost a year, Downstage has been offering Creative Stretch at Memorial Park Library with participants ranging from youth to seniors. We started doing this because we are keen to bring arts lovers and professional artists together in a space that allows for creative play without judgement. It’s such fun to lead these sessions and witness the buoyant atmosphere that develops when people from different walks of life join together in creative play.
When COVID-19 emerged, Downstage decided to bring our Creative Stretch sessions online. Downstage is committed to serving our community through theatre that creates connection around important social issues. Mental, physical, and emotional health are always at the forefront of our practice as a company. We acknowledge that isolation, stagnation, and a sense of uncertainty can shut down even the most inspired person.
Creative Stretch is designed to stoke a healthy mind and body by accessing techniques commonly used by theatre artists both in rehearsal and in daily life. Through free weekly sessions that mix yoga, meditation, guided writing, theatre games, children’s songs, and deep relaxation, Downstage offers a chance for people to shake it up, stretch it out, and relax into a sense of playful possibility right here, right now.
As the Artistic Director at Downstage and an experienced yoga instructor, I love this opportunity to share aspects of theatre process online. Creative Stretch invites each participant to explore new pathways for thought, feeling, and action. We encourage you to develop ways of being that best support the person you are growing into.
You can check out our recorded sessions and join us Mondays at 2pm MDT live on Instagram. Each of the live sessions gets added to our library of recorded classes so, you can join at your leisure. For more information, please contact me at clare@downstage.ca.
Big thanks to Arts Commons for sharing this on their blog and to all of you who support the arts in our community. We’re in this together.
