Since 2016, Improv4Life has provided free workshops for residents of the Senior Meadows Retirement Community. The group works with improvisation, theatre games and creative drama exercises, instead of presenting performances. The Improv4Life participants laugh, build self-confidence, think outside the box, and build community. These are marvelous and effective antidotes that lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation which can occur as we age. It’s an entertaining way to foster improved mental health and wellness while enjoying theatre.

Improv4Life instructor John Propster is passionate about helping seniors stay mentally fit by providing a platform for older adults to be creative and have fun. In response to the pandemic, John migrated the workshops to Zoom. They are grateful to be meeting in person since June 2022. Though, as John states, “Our Zoom skills came in handy when Flagstaff experienced 3 weeks of snow that kept us from meeting in person!”

Improv4Life also started another Improv class at The Bluffs an independent and assisted living facility in Flagstaff. It is scheduled for the independent living clients. In addition, John will be leading a TimeSlips storytelling workshop for memory care clients at The Bluffs.

After 30 years as a high school drama teacher and director in the San Francisco School District, John Propster relocated to the mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona. He would be thrilled to expand the program to other senior living and assisted living communities.