Performing for Mentally Challenged Adults
Posted: March 23rd, 2010, 1:59 pm
I thought I'd post something here since someone has
posted something about performing for seniors
(re: http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubb ... ber=214295 )
A lot of my concerts are in that circuit as mentioned in
the thread and I've expanded in working with my music in
a theraputic way for those in the upper stages of Alzheimer's
(6-9) where they are considered lower functioning.
But I work in all areas and each one is different...
Anywho...
This is another in the faceted world that people don't
talk about performing.
I did my first concert for a group last night and it was a fun
and amazing experience.
My father who performed at the first Special Olympics
in Chicago in the 70's said that what he did then was
different than what I did.
He also added that he could never do what I did either.
So its not for everyone.
Just a couple of things I like to say if you do consider
or perform at a center.
they are no different than anyone else.
Be Patient...they will come up and talk to you while you're setting up.
Sometimes they'll ask you the same questions over and
over again. ... just go with it.
If they walk by you they will stop in front of you and
sometimes shake your hand. Just say Hi and shake their
hand, they'll like that and it makes them good.
Some situations they may not behave but in most cases
they will and they are very attentive.
They are a excitable bunch so they respond to you well.
Talk to them when you are doing your act.
Ask them questions. They like that interaction.
Don't be afraid to include something they can learn.
They love to learn and be exposed to new things.
Stimulating material goes a long way.
If they come to you and give you hug, let them.
Its more full filling than performing at a coffee shop
like starbucks ... (trying to earn gas money home).
posted something about performing for seniors
(re: http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubb ... ber=214295 )
A lot of my concerts are in that circuit as mentioned in
the thread and I've expanded in working with my music in
a theraputic way for those in the upper stages of Alzheimer's
(6-9) where they are considered lower functioning.
But I work in all areas and each one is different...
Anywho...
This is another in the faceted world that people don't
talk about performing.
I did my first concert for a group last night and it was a fun
and amazing experience.
My father who performed at the first Special Olympics
in Chicago in the 70's said that what he did then was
different than what I did.
He also added that he could never do what I did either.
So its not for everyone.
Just a couple of things I like to say if you do consider
or perform at a center.
they are no different than anyone else.
Be Patient...they will come up and talk to you while you're setting up.
Sometimes they'll ask you the same questions over and
over again. ... just go with it.
If they walk by you they will stop in front of you and
sometimes shake your hand. Just say Hi and shake their
hand, they'll like that and it makes them good.
Some situations they may not behave but in most cases
they will and they are very attentive.
They are a excitable bunch so they respond to you well.
Talk to them when you are doing your act.
Ask them questions. They like that interaction.
Don't be afraid to include something they can learn.
They love to learn and be exposed to new things.
Stimulating material goes a long way.
If they come to you and give you hug, let them.
Its more full filling than performing at a coffee shop
like starbucks ... (trying to earn gas money home).