Positive Aging Programming Shaw Festival Expands with New Creative Workshops
The initiative builds on pilot programs launched over the past two years and is supported by a $5 million contribution from the Weston family as part of the festival’s All.Together.Now. campaign.
Shifting the narrative on aging
Festival officials say the expanded programming is designed to move away from traditional views of aging as decline, instead focusing on creativity, engagement and personal growth.
“Positive Aging is not simply programming for older adults – it is a shift in how we understand aging itself,” said Pragna Desai, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at the Shaw Festival. “We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing a new vision for aging – one defined by possibility, not by limitations.”
Arts-based approach to well-being
The program will offer a range of arts-based experiences including workshops in:
- Theatre improvisation
- Voice control
- Scene study
- Memorization techniques
- Dance
These sessions will be led by Shaw Festival artists and professional coaches, with a focus on enhancing cognitive function, emotional well-being and social connection.
The initiative also builds on the success of previous programs such as Defy Dementia™, developed in partnership with Baycrest and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).
Expanding access through new facilities
The festival says upcoming infrastructure projects will support the growth of the program, including the Shaw Artists’ Village opening this summer and the future rebuild of the Royal George Theatre.
These developments are expected to increase capacity for workshops and community programming, allowing more participants to engage in creative experiences.
Growing impact across the community
In 2025, the Shaw Festival delivered more than 5,000 interactive experiences, complementing its theatrical productions with educational and community-based initiatives.
Officials say the expansion of Positive Aging programming will further position the festival as a leader in using the performing arts to support lifelong learning and community engagement.
“At the Shaw Festival, positive aging isn’t about staying young; it’s about growing whole,” Desai said. “When older adults engage their creativity, we have witnessed them strengthen their emotional resilience and reconnect with their sense of identity, agency and purpose.”
Registration now open
Registration for new workshops is now open through the Shaw Festival’s website, with programming set to be integrated into its annual calendar of events.
The initiative reflects a broader trend toward using arts and culture as tools for wellness, particularly as communities look for ways to support aging populations through meaningful and inclusive experiences.
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