GeriActors Theatre is an intergenerational theatre company based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton).

Our mission is to develop performer-created theatre and performance-based activities that are of high quality and that foster positive intergenerational interaction and authentic views of aging.

Adhering to the principles of creative aging, we believe that seniors’ engagement in the arts at a level of comparative mastery leads to significant health benefits, an overall sense of well-being, and a marked increase in social and civic engagement. Our programs seek to challenge stereotypes, promote authentic views on aging, and bring people together to share in meaningful discussions about lived experiences.

Click the here to read our
2023-2026 Strategic Plan

Our Story

“We have found that play-acting brings out the inner self; it makes life easier in some way.”

Founded in 2001, GeriActors began out of the desire of a group of seniors to have their own theatre company. Founding Artistic Director, David Barnet, met the group at the Sage Seniors Association to chat more. At the end of the afternoon, drinking coffee and sharing stories, David asked whether he should “come back next week?” and the rest is history.

At first, short plays were written based on the group’s stories: “Be careful what you say! He’ll write it down and put it in a play!” Later, GeriActors became improvisation-based, devising plays based on true stories and issues of aging, and adapting scripts to be relevant to seniors.

In 2007, we became GeriActors & Friends welcoming students from the Intergenerational Theatre course David had developed at the University of Alberta. We immediately realized the value of working intergenerationally and discovered a new level of creativity, playfulness and performance.

Since 2001, GeriActors has grown significantly and our company now has three main areas of activity:

  • Our performance company, GeriActors & Friends, specializes in intergenerational, performer-created play development
  • AudioGeris re-invents our original stage plays and brings our stories to life in an audio-only experience
  • Our community workshops engage seniors and intergenerational groups in unique performance-based activities

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

To be an intergenerational theatre company that engages and challenges audiences by sharing stories that are meaningful and authentic, and that advances public understanding of creative aging.

Mission

To develop performer-created theatre and performance-based activities that are of high quality and that foster positive intergenerational interaction and authentic views of aging.

Values
  • Playfulness: Playfulness leads to the establishment of safer space, and includes shared laughter, creativity, mischievousness, and the discovery and pursuit of the artistic process.
  • Intergenerational: Intergenerational interactions lead to a sense of playfulness, discovery, and community. We seek to break down age stereotypes and foster authentic views of aging.
  • Inclusion: Appreciation for diversity amongst people and in mediums of expression fosters authentic stories and engaging creative work. GeriActors appreciates and celebrates our differences.
  • Professionalism: GeriActors engages professional leadership to inspire excellence in performance and creativity. Professionalism encompasses respect and integrity, openness to new experiences, and mastery of new skills.

Learn more about GeriActors