❋
New Horizons for Seniors Programming
Programs on offer
More details will be posted as programs are finalized!
The Arts Guild is opening its doors to older adults across the community with a new series of free, six-week creative workshops designed specifically for seniors aged 55 and over. Funded through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, this initiative invites participants to explore their creativity, build connections, and share their stories in a welcoming and supportive environment.
❋ Spontaneous Spirits: Improv
Discover the thrill of thinking on your feet in a world where there are no scripts and no "wrong" answers! In this high-laughter six-week workshop, you’ll master the art of improv as you "Yes, And" your way through playful games that sharpen your wit and build lasting connections without a single line to memorize.
❋ Let’s Jest Play: A Seniors’ Workshop
Explore the whimsical world of Bouffon, a classic style of playful mockery and fun. In this unique workshop, we’ll use the art of the "Jest" to create delightful characters and shared laughter, proving that a mischievous spirit has no retirement age.
❋ The Soundtrack of My Life: A Digital Journey
Map the milestones of your life through the songs that moved you. We’ll help you curate a personal "audio memoir" by pairing your favorite tracks with your own meaningful introductions for each, creating a digital legacy to share with your family for generations.
❋ Seniors Write the Scene
Got an idea for a character, a funny situation, or a great story? Turn it into theatre! Over six weeks, you’ll create original scenes, monologues, comedy sketches, and more. No experience needed, just imagination and a willingness to play. Finish with an informal showcase where fellow participants bring your work to life!
❋ Your Story Matters: Memoir Writing
Reflect on the moments, memories, and milestones that have shaped your journey. Through guided prompts and supportive discussion, you’ll begin transforming your life experiences into meaningful stories to share and preserve.
Seniors Write the Scene!: Six weeks of imagination, storytelling, and creating your own personal pieces of theatre
Ever had an idea for a character, a funny situation, or a story that would make a terrific scene? Here’s your chance to write it! Over six weeks, you’ll create original monologues, scenes, comedy sketches, and more while exploring the fun of theatrical storytelling. No writing or theatre experience is needed—just your imagination and a willingness to play. By the end, you’ll have an original piece of theatre and the chance to hear it performed by fellow participants in an informal showcase. You write it. We’ll help you put it on its feet!
Instructor: Rob MacDonald
A member of the popular improv group POPALOPALOTS, who have been a staple at The Arts Guild for 15+ years. Rob brings extensive experience to the table and is ready to show you the basics of improvisation through games strictly focused on laughter and fun.
Mondays, Nov 2 - Dec 5
6:30 - 8:00pm
The Soundtrack of My Life: A Digital Journey
What songs tell the story of your life? Maybe it’s the song you fell in love to, the one that reminds you of home, or the music that takes you right back to another time. Join Catherine O’Brien as she leads you through turning the songs that matter most to you into a personal audio memoir, pairing meaningful music with your own recorded memories and stories. You’ll leave with a special digital keepsake to share with your family and pass down to future generations.
Instructor: Catherine O’Brien
Catherine is the co-founder and Artistic Producer of Young at Heart Theatre, now in its 21st year. Catherine has worked in theatres across Canada and spent several seasons performing in the Charlottetown Festival, playing various roles including most recently Rachel Lynde in Anne of Green Gables, and Beulah in Come From Away. Catherine has served as Artistic Director of the Harbourfront Theatre Executive Director of Kings Playhouse. She also volunteers with several organizations including Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, the Citizens’ Alliance of PEI and The Coalition for the Protection of PEI Water.
Sundays, Nov 22 - Dec 20
2:00 - 3:30pm
Your Story Matters: Memoir Writing
You are invited into the meaningful, rewarding practice of writing your life stories. Whether you want to preserve memories for family, explore memoir as an art form, or reflect more deeply on your life, this workshop offers a gentle, supportive place to begin. Through simple, engaging exercises, you’ll reconnect with your experiences, access your inner wisdom, and start putting your stories on paper.
Instructor: Kathleen Hamilton
An award-winning writer and memoir coach with 25+ years of experience helping people tell their stories. She creates a warm, supportive environment for writers of all levels.
Sundays, April 19 - May 24
6:30 - 8:00pm
Spontaneous Spirits: Improv for Seniors
A six-week workshop where the one rule is ‘ have fun’! This isn’t about memorizing lines; its about the joy of thinking on your feet and sharing a laugh with peers.
Instructor: Rob MacDonald
A member of the popular improv group POPALOPALOTS, who have been a staple at The Arts Guild for 15+ years. Rob brings extensive experience to the table and is ready to show you the basics of improvisation through games strictly focused on laughter and fun.
Mondays, June 8 - July 13
6:30 - 8:00pm
Let’s Jest Play: A Seniors’ Workshop
Unleash your inner prankster and rediscover the simple joy of play! You are invited to step into a world of imagination and lighthearted mischief. Let's Jest Play is a one-of-a-kind workshop designed to help you take a break from life’s worries, have fun, and jest play!
Instructor: Trilby Jeeves
Your instructor, Trilby Jeeves, is a specialist in Bouffon—a classic style of performance that celebrates delightful characters, playful mockery, and shared laughter. This workshop is all about the "happy accident" and exploring your most mischievous, creative self in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
No previous experience is needed—just bring your sense of humor!