Imagine That - Issue Box Theatre

Imagine That!

Creativity, Connection & Care Through Theatre

Improving well-being through creativity, laughter, and connection

IMAGINE THAT! is an interactive theatre and creative engagement program designed to improve well-being, strengthen human connection, and increase quality of life through creativity, laughter, storytelling, and play.

Using improvisation, music, theatre games, and facilitated conversation, IMAGINE THAT! creates welcoming spaces where people can connect, express themselves, and rediscover joy—especially for those who may feel isolated, overlooked, or disconnected from traditional arts and community experiences.

At its heart, IMAGINE THAT! prioritizes joy, dignity, storytelling, and human connection. Participants are valued not for performance, but for presence.

Through workshops and interactive experiences, IMAGINE THAT! serves seniors, community members, and youth, building shared understanding, confidence, and belonging.

Program Overview

IMAGINE THAT! is a theatre-based well-being program serving individuals in care, recovery, and community-based settings, with a particular focus on seniors living with dementia and individuals participating in recovery programs.

The program meets participants where they are—inviting them into shared storytelling, imaginative play, and creative connection that supports emotional well-being, engagement, and dignity.

Who IMAGINE THAT! Is For

Seniors & Older Adults

IMAGINE THAT! supports seniors and older adults—including individuals living with a dementia diagnosis—by creating joyful, engaging experiences that encourage participation, laughter, memory, imagination, and connection.

Programs are designed for:

Seniors and others living with a dementia diagnosis
Individuals in assisted-living or long-term care settings
Those who feel forgotten, isolated, or left behind
Anyone who simply wants to engage, laugh, and connect

Community & Adult Participants

IMAGINE THAT! supports individuals and organizations seeking creative, human-centered tools for well-being, recovery, and communication.

Programs are designed for:

People participating in recovery programs who need creative tools for their journey
Community organizations seeking more effective ways to engage people experiencing a mental-health crisis
Individuals looking to strengthen creativity, spontaneity, and confidence through improvisational workshops
People living in shelters who want meaningful human interaction—not only services or assessments

Youth & Emerging Artists

IMAGINE THAT! supports young people and emerging artists by developing essential life and creative skills through interactive theatre experiences.

Programs are designed for:

Young people learning new tools for communication and self-expression
Artists seeking to build 21st-century creative and collaborative skills
Youth who want to strengthen emotional intelligence, confidence, and adaptability

What Happens in IMAGINE THAT!

Each IMAGINE THAT! session is interactive, flexible, and responsive to the people in the room. Activities may include:

Guided storytelling and imaginative prompts
Improvisational theatre activities and theatre games
Laughter-based and movement exercises
Group-created stories and characters

Sessions are facilitated by trained Actorvists who prioritize emotional safety, flexibility, accessibility, and inclusion.

Outcomes & Impact

IMAGINE THAT! programs:

Increase engagement and social connection
Encourage self-expression and creativity
Foster moments of joy and shared laughter
Support emotional well-being in care and recovery settings

Participants are valued not for performance, but for presence.

Our Approach

IMAGINE THAT! programs use creativity, laughter, improvisation, music, and meaningful engagement to elevate the human experience.

Whether someone is navigating depression or dementia, learning how to respond in a mental-health crisis, recovering from trauma, or simply feeling isolated, IMAGINE THAT! creates experiences that center joy, dignity, care, and connection.

Evidence-Informed & Creative Roots

Our IMAGINE THAT! programming is inspired by—and grounded in—established, evidence-based creative and storytelling practices, including:

TimeSlips – creative storytelling with people living with dementia
To Whom I May Concern – participatory storytelling and community voice practices
Viola Spolin’s theatre games and improvisational methods

These approaches inform and strengthen our work, helping ensure IMAGINE THAT! experiences are engaging, respectful, and responsive to the real needs of the communities we serve.