Improving quality of life among healthy individuals through theatre activities: a theatre-in-health pilot project

<strong>Background</strong> Review of previous studies regarding arts and health reveals knowledge gaps regarding the use of theatre activities outside a clinical setting with healthy participants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality of life benefits of structured theatre training improvisations among generally healthy individuals. <strong>Methods</strong> A mixed methods approach was used at three theatre activities workshops. Pre- and post-quality of life surveys were completed at administered at each workshop. workshop. Participants also free wrote after the workshops, reflecting on their experiences. <strong>Results</strong> The surveys showed that there was a statistically significant shift in a positive direction in each domain studied. Themes that emerged from the free-writing responses were those of play, social acceptance, gratitude, and community. <strong>Conclusions</strong> Findings demonstrate that structured theatre activities produce quality of life benefits across all domains. This pilot study indicates the potential for such theatre-in-health projects as a tool for quality of life improvement.