Squeals of delight ring out in the basement of Grace-Westminster United Church in Saskatoon.  The noise fits the mood as a poem, about rocks is being made up on the spot by one of the participants in Gramma Drama. Ridiculous, maybe, but this group of kids and seniors can’t deny they are having a blast.

Gramma Drama is the latest creation by Sum Theatre.  Artistic Producer Heather Morrison says the idea came from Rev. Daryl Woods when he mentioned how much seniors enjoy spending time with children. “Frankly many seniors would rather not take a ‘seniors’ drama class,” Morrison explains. “But they would come out if it was an excuse to play with their grandkids.”

So Gramma Drama was born. Every Monday after school, about 40 grandparents and children pack into the church basement to enjoy a variety of theatre games. It’s open to anybody, there’s no registration necessary. The idea is to learn to listen, accept different ideas and work together.

Kathy Morrell has always shared a love of drama with her seven year-old granddaughter Sarah Sinclair. “She’s so imaginative. I love that about her,” declares Morrell. “This was just a great chance to play together.”

Sarah says she wasn’t surprised that her grandma likes this group, “I already know my grandma can act, everybody can!”

Morrison says this group is a great bonding exercise for families. “Everyone has to let go of their inhibitions and trust each other. This is a great mood boost for many seniors and it gets everyone out of the house having fun.”

Gramma Drama (Drop-ins Welcome)

February 29 – April 25, 2016 (Mondays)

4:30p.m. – 5:30p.m.

Grace-Westminster United Church