By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

This is one of those rare times and places where sharing wacky stories, venting pent-up frustrations, and playing crazy games can be helpful. It’s actually encouraged and a required part of the curriculum.

“It’s all about getting people out of their shells,” says Betty Zelesnick, a member of the acting and improvisation class at Maris Grove. “None of us are serious actors, but it’s fun and something that we all went into with an open mind.”

Zelesnick, her husband Ross, and a dozen other Maris Grove residents have employed the help of acting coach Robb Hutter to help them try their hand in the theatric arts.

Unlocking the playful spirit
Hutter, who has thirty years of professional experience as an actor, director, and teacher, says older adults are often the best actors. “They know themselves and often have fewer inhibitions,” he says.

Hutter does his best to integrate the personal life experiences and stories of the people he teaches into the class activities. The key is getting his students to take a trip outside of their comfort zone.

“In class, I’m serious about them having fun,” he says. “Learning is a lifelong journey. Everyone has innate creativity and talent. It’s just a matter of bringing that out and exploring their seasoned and really playful spirits.”

The actor in everyone
One of the first exercises Hutter leads to help loosen the students’ inhibitions also allows them to get to know each other.

Students sit in a circle and call another classmate’s name, then they toss him or her an athletic ball. “It helps them get to know each other and make eye contact,” Hutter explains. After a few minutes, Hutter adds more balls.

“There are balls flying everywhere,” Ross Zelesnick says. “I think we have about three or four going at the same time.”

“It makes sure we’re all on the same page,” says class member Jo Overholt.