Play Up Program

We provide regular weekly performing sessions as Humour Therapy in residential aged care services and since the documentary was screened on ABC1 Compass program on 4th March we are getting many requests for this work nationally. You can see the trailer to the film on www.thesmilewithin.com.au

Attached are two brochures, one on the Play Up Program and the other about the Arts Health Institute (www.artshealthinstitute.org.au) The program is overseen by our Creative Director, Jean-Paul Bell (who was a co-founder of the Clown Doctor program in 1996).

We provide training and support for the performers. The training is free but the performer needs to get to Sydney for this first training program. We have training in one of Australia's largest aged care facilties this Thursday and Friday (10th and 11th May) and again 12th and 13th May. The training is also an audition process. We are looking for performers with strong empathy and compassion as well as strong improv and comedy ability, musical skills is a bonus. Once the performer is accredited by the AHI to be delivering the Play Up Program and placed in a residential aged care facility, we pay $250 for half a day (one session of 3 hours with 2 hours "on the floor") and $450 (2 sessions) for a full day and depending on location there may be a travel allowance. The work is weekly at the same location. The Arts Health Institute provides ongoing support, professional development in this method and manages the program.

We urgently need performers in the following locations:
Canberra
Narrabri
Wee Waa
Walgett
Bourke
Condobalin
Temora

Some of these locations can be a circuit coordinated through a group of performers.

We have strong interest with many aged care facilities in many regions including the NSW South Coast, Albury and Hay regions.

We are currently in Scone, Newcastle, Sydney, a number of locations on the NSW North Coast, soon to be in Wollongong and we recently launched in Brisbane. We currently have over 20 performers working in the program since it started in December 2011. It is making a real difference to the quality of life of people living with dementia and in residential aged care that also includes the staff. 

People interested in being a Play Up Performer can register their interest on our website: http://www.artshealthinstitute.org.au/Programs/Play-Up-Program-Registration.aspx or call me directly especially if they wish to come to the training this week.

Please call Maggie Heart Maggie Haertsch to discuss other strategies you may have to assist. My number is 0414 507050.

Play_Up_brochure.pdf (1531 KB)

Last Updated 07/05/2012