What is Patchwork Plays?
Patchwork Plays is an intergenerational creative arts program that brings together the voices of seniors, the creativity of high school students, and the imagination of young children to create a collective theatrical work.
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Through storytelling, artistic exchange, and collaboration, participants explore memory, culture, identity, and connection. Rather than telling a single story, Patchwork Plays weaves many voices into one shared “patchwork,” celebrating both difference and common ground across generations.​​
Patchwork Plays unfolds over the school year and engages three generations in a creative exchange:
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Seniors share their stories, memories, reflections, and lived experiences.
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High school students transform those stories into theatre, music, poetry, and visual concepts.
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Elementary students (Grades 2–3) respond creatively through visual art inspired by the stories.
Artist facilitators from the Arts & Aging Network support the process throughout, providing training, guidance, and mentorship to ensure the program remains inclusive, respectful, and aligned with our Arts & Aging Approach.​
At the beginning of the school year, high school students with interests in theatre, writing, music, visual art, and design come together as a creative team, working alongside artist facilitators from the Arts & Aging Network.
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With support from the Arts & Aging Network, students:
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Receive training grounded in the Arts & Aging Approach, with dementia sensitivity and creative practice at the forefront
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Learn respectful and inclusive methods for interviewing older adults and gathering meaningful life stories
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Explore alternative communication techniques for connecting with seniors living with dementia
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Conduct interviews with local seniors arranged by Arts & Aging
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Reflect on the stories they hear through guided discussion and group dialogue
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Use writing and storytelling skills to share selected stories with younger students
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Collaboratively shape a creative focus for their piece of the Patchwork Plays presentation.
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Work with professional artists to explore inclusive theatre practices and collaborative creation.​
Students take on both artistic and collaborative roles, shaping material together while learning how art can be a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and understanding across generations.​
Get Involved
We are currently piloting Patchwork Plays with Mount Pearl Senior High and Pearl House Manor. If you would like to be part of future Patchwork Plays projects — as a high school class, drama club, elementary school class, or as a community group or care home with seniors interested in sharing their stories — we would love to hear from you.