Improving quality of life among healthy individuals through theatre activities: a theatre-in-health pilot project

Background

Review of previous studies regarding arts and health reveals knowledge gaps regarding the use of theatre activities outside a clinical setting with healthy participants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality of life benefits of structured theatre training improvisations among generally healthy individuals.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used at three theatre activities workshops. Pre- and post-quality of life surveys were completed at administered at each workshop. workshop. Participants also free wrote after the workshops, reflecting on their experiences.

Results

The surveys showed that there was a statistically significant shift in a positive direction in each domain studied. Themes that emerged from the free-writing responses were those of play, social acceptance, gratitude, and community.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate that structured theatre activities produce quality of life benefits across all domains. This pilot study indicates the potential for such theatre-in-health projects as a tool for quality of life improvement.