Birches Residents Catch the Acting Bug through the New Acting Out Program

In recent months, residents of The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills have gotten in touch with their inner thespian through a new program called Acting Out.

The Acting Out program started when Activities Assistant Ellie Orozco, who enjoys acting herself, thought that Birches residents might enjoy a social and creative outlet like acting as well.

“I wanted residents to have fun, socialize, and get to know each other in a more creative and fun way,” said Orozco.

Essentially, Orozco wanted to provide Birches residents with a freestyle forum where they could let loose and be themselves— or any other character they wanted to be.

“Most of the residents love the idea of getting to socialize and have fun with each other through a more fluid method,” said Orozco. “The program is more about getting to know one another and building friendship.”

The group is loosely structured, but so far group meetings have consisted of up to 15 residents coming together and practicing plays. For their first play, Orozco chose Ladies at Lunch by Carol Woods because it reflected the carefree, fun-loving tone of the group and because it had a very familiar premise.

“Ladies at Lunch reminded me of a group of women that usually sit together at lunch at The Birches—Darcy Kelleher, Marge Wolf, Geraldine Plaza, and Dottie Rogers,” said Orozco.

The Acting Out club performed Ladies at Lunch in early August, and are now looking toward their next dramatic endeavor so they can continue socializing, having fun, and being creative. Club members are eager to get started on their next play, and they are also thankful to Orozco for creating this unique activity.

“I like to do things like acting and singing,” said Birches resident and Acting Out participant Margaret Sciackitano. “Everyone really seems to enjoy it, and Ellie’s really good.”

Resident Darcy Kelleher said, at first, she was hesitant to join Acting Out, but now she is very grateful she decided to give it a try.

“After I joined, I was so happy I did. It was a lot of fun, and Ellie was so great at helping all of us,” said Kelleher. “I would definitely do it again.”

As the creator and facilitator of Acting Out, Orozco also found the experience incredibly fun and rewarding. She looks forward to continuing the program and watching as more and more residents embrace their creativity and bond with one another.

“The residents feel like they can trust one another in the group, and that’s a big win for me. I love to see them smile, laugh, and be happy. That is something I will cherish forever,” said Orozco.

Acting Out is just one of many programs that demonstrates The Birches’ commitment to the Masterpiece Living philosophy. Based on the results of a decade-long MacArthur Foundation study, the Masterpiece Living philosophy suggests that adults can continue to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually until the end of their lives. Through programs that promote this Masterpiece Living ideal, The Birches encourages all community members to stay active, embrace life, and age gracefully.