Date of Award

4-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dawn Robarge

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

The Doctoral Capstone Experience evaluated theatre and the relation with occupational therapy to observe the potential connection theatre can create to improve shared experiences, emphasize collaboration, and improve quality of life through participation and engagement of theatre-based interventions. In general, theatre allows the foundation of occupational therapy to remain pertinent within the intervention process by remaining flexible, client-centered, and meaningful to aid with participation and engagement by dismissing signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s with a concentration on novel activities. Within the site of the project, there is currently a gap with socializing of consumers, due to the diverse group population, which overall is affecting the sense of collaboration that is hoped to be achieved at the Adult Wellness Program. The objectives throughout the experience were achieved through continued research that explored theatre interventions and working with individuals with neurodegenerative diagnoses to improve engagement, participation, and overall quality of life by utilizing assessments, measuring themes, and interpretating observed behaviors during interventions. Overall, improvement with quality of life in most consumers, as measured by VQ, SF-36, and qualitative observations, was achieved through improved scores and positive change in affect.

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