PLAYFUL BEING
Be curious.  Be flexible.
BE PLAYFUL
Thank you for visiting!
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PLAY IS GOOD FOR YOU!
Play can improve your health and well-being.
There is growing evidence that nurturing our creative spirit by taking part in playful, creative activity has a positive effect on our health.
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We delight in sharing humour, surprise and imagination. That's being playful.
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Play ‘generates optimism. . . gives the immune system a bounce, fosters empathy and promotes a sense of belonging and community.’
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- The National Institute for Play, founded by Dr Stuart Brown, Professor of psychiatry and clinical research.
PLAYFUL BEING
bodies, voices,
words & choices,
attitudes, stances,
looks and glances.
All sorts of games
. . . discovering things
in a safe creative environment where you can experiment freely
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Being playful
- gives you permission to be free and creative
- recaptures childlike curiosity
- allows an open way of thinking
- explores how we relate to the world and each other
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And it's fun!!
What we'll do
Play games drawn from theatre rehearsal rooms
vocal verbal physical mindgames body-language quickthinking thoughtful mindful
so we might . . .
Play with sound:
- words
- rhythm and patterns
- emphasis and pace
- clapping games
- puzzles
-tell Tales: tell truth from lies?
Explore positive thinking and relaxation
- stillness and being in the moment
- mind games and quick-thinking
- stretch short-term memory
- increase focus
- think in new ways
- try tactics to get our own way
Play with moving and senses:
-agreeing without a word?
- building rapport
- peripheral vision?
- sixth sense?
- fast responses?
THIS IS ME
I’ve been lucky in my working life – I’ve been paid to be playful.
I have spent time in education and in the theatre, and mostly in a combination of both. But I always knew I preferred the rehearsal room to a classroom.
Something magical happened there.
There is an openness and willingness to investigate. And I think where academics may know all the right answers, theatre directors know all the right questions.
Staying curious, asking questions, investigating and experimenting are, I believe, at the heart of staying sane. Being able to flow with the changes life throws at you, rather than cling to a fixed point – that demands a playful attitude. And I’m really resistant to change myself so I know how hard it is!
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But when I play, I relax. You can't get it wrong. There is no right way of doing things and what we might elsewhere call a ‘mistake’ simply becomes a new part of the game.
COURSE TIME
Thursday 12.00 - 1.00pm
CONTACT
Get in touch!
If you'd like to take part, make contact to register interest
Send in the form here, or email or text me.
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If there's more you'd like to know, feel free to ask any questions. I'll do my best to answer.
at Number 8
Arts & Community Centre, Pershore
on Thursdays
from 12.00 - 1.00
and possible sessions elsewhere
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Watch this space
for sessions starting again
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07803 506 891
Find us
What people say . . .
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a fantastic experience - Bethany
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thank you for the fabulous workshops - Alannah
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I was sorry when the class ended - Annie
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intriguing, inspiring and not forgetting super-fun sessions - Katelyn
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I had a great time - Robert
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I feel much more confident - Jenny
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best part of my Thursdays - Megan
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thanks ever so much for your enthusiasm and imagination - Aaron
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I loved every minute - Leo
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“DOUBLE CLICK HERE OR CLICK EDIT TEXT TO ADD SOME POSITIUE FEEDBACK ABOUT YOUR SERVICES"
Play is Serious stuff!
FAQs
Is there an age limit?
No. It’s a course for adults - but that can be anyone from 18 – 100!
All are welcome.
Will we play games?
Yes, we will play lots of games. Games for fun; for bonding; for trying new skills with your voice, body and mind. Games to keep you on your toes and encourage you to be creative.
Will I feel silly?
I hope so! Because the chance to be silly and to enjoy it can feel really good. Think of being on holiday or giggling with your family at Christmas.
BUT if you mean will you feel embarrassed or put on the spot – then no! you won’t feel embarrassed, because there will be no judgement. And I will do my best to make it feel a creative and enjoyable session.
Be brave - There’s evidence that happiness and laughter can add years to your life!
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Is it just for theatre people?
No. It's for everyone. If you are tempted to give it a go, then it’s for you. I am a theatre practitioner and so I will be drawing on my professional theatre background. But these sessions are about exploring skills and creativity for life.
Will there be much discussion?
The sessions will be practical. There will always be time for us to discuss our observations as we go along.
Will it be competitive?
While some of the games we play might have a fun competitive element [!] the spirit of the sessions will be very much to encourage collaborative play.
Do you have to like acting or want to be onstage?
No, not at all. There'll be no performance, or moment in the spotlight. That’s not the point of it at all. The sessions are about us sharing experience and working together.
So we’re not working towards a production?
No. Although many of these games come from rehearsal rooms we are not rehearsing for a grand finale – we are, if you like, rehearsing for life. You can select your own goals for the course. They may be becoming more spontaneous, more confident or open. Or just meeting a new group of people. Or learning new skills. Or something else that is personal to you.
Or you may want to just come along and be surprised.... and see what happens....
What’s the point of adults playing games?
Many experts affirm the transformative power of creative play.
Here are a few:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/oct/05/why-play-is-important-to-us-all-lauren-laverne
https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/11/15/the-importance-of-play-for-adults/
https://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital
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Will Play be good for my health?
Yes. Play is recognised as very significant for our emotional well-being and problem solving abilities. Play helps us learn to co-operate when we're young and delays mental decline as we age. It can help with self-confidence and self-esteem, reduce stress and ease responsibilities. It can help you reclaim your spontaneity and feel more centred. And above all, feel the joy of being in the moment and going with the flow.
You might like to look at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm
How physical will it be? Do I have to be fit?
We will work and play as a group. But you will engage with the body you have. So, it's not about being super fit. Everyone is welcome.
Is Play good for my voice?
Yes. We can spend time doing breathing and vocal warm-ups and exercises. We can also explore the power of your voice, considering status, vocal confidence, clarity and emotion.
Is Play good for my body?
Yes. And we can develop your awareness of your own body through a series of exercises and games which encourage you to relax, to observe the way you use your self, to try new forms of expression, and to let go, to be playful in life and to welcome adventure.
Is Play good for my mind?
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Yes. We will play with word games, sequences and rhythm to build mental agility in each of us and in the group.
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