Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) has a new collaborative programming partnership with Theater J, a nationally-renowned, professional theater that celebrates and explores the Jewish experience and the universal human condition.

As part of the newly founded partnership, 18 residents from CESLCā€™s independent living residences participate in weekly virtual theater classes led by acclaimed and award-winning theater artists. Theater J is a creative way that CESLC seeks to address and overcome social isolation issues for its residents as a result of COVID-19. The program offers theater engagement classes, which focus on theater from the audience memberā€™s perspective, and artistic participation opportunities, which allow residents to create their own works to perform in the future.

The partnership allows Theater J to use virtual connections to reach theater lovers to help share the connection and spirit of creativity that live theater delivers despite the limitations presented by COVID-19. As the nationā€™s largest and most prominent Jewish theater,Ā the collaboration with CESLC provides Theater J the opportunity to expand upon its Jewish theatrical tradition even though instructors, participants and audiences are not able to gather in person for a traditional theater experience.

ā€œTheater Jā€™s mission of celebrating the Jewish experience resonates with our community and many residents are eager to learn more about theater,ā€ said Revitz House Executive Director Diane Stern. ā€œThis is a wonderful program that enriches residents’ quality of life as they pursue their goal of planning and performing a play for our community in the future.ā€