Patchwork Players

“This was an experience of a lifetime. I never knew love and care came so easily.”  -Youth at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility

Patchwork Players is Encore's most extensive intergenerational project; it brings together an ensemble of 12 seniors and 12 detained youth for a week of intense personal theatre. The group rehearses three times a day, and through theatre games, improvisation, and communication exercises both kids and seniors share their stories, take risks, and learn about themselves. Under the guidance of Encore's director and songwriter, the group creates an hour-long performance about their lives and what they've shared with each other. At week's end this show is presented to other youth in the facility, as well as invited families and friends.

What do we do? Talk, play, laugh, share, dance, think, remember, sing, write, get mad, risk, pout, breathe, withdraw, learn, stretch, trust, cry, draw, memorize, commit, hope, support, perform, celebrate, and say good-bye.

History? Encore started its residency program at Skipworth, Lane County's youth detention facility, in spring of 1999. Thanks to the support of the Skipworth staff, Encore returned for the next three years, and developed what was to become Patchwork Players. Exercises evolved that built trust between the generations, and ways to theatricalize the entire experience were discovered. The seniors broke their stereotypes of detained youth, and learned to be very comfortable in lock-up! Since then, Encore has conducted residencies with at-risk youth in alternative high schools, as well as the correctional facilities at MacLaren, Hillcrest and Deschutes.

Why kids in detention? Through the years we've observed that at-risk youth respond the most strongly to Encore's programs. Perhaps they need this adult caring, respect and honesty the most; perhaps they've experienced them the least. In Patchwork Players these kids get a glimpse of possibilities for different relationships and different lives. First, they share themselves with the Encore elders; they reveal their fears, pain, dreams, and heartaches. They tell the truth, and for it they are loved and respected and valued. And then, miracle of miracles, they do it for an audience! They learn dances, sing solos, write poetry, wear costumes, do mime, and tell their truth on stage!   For many of them this is the first time they have ever been respected and appreciated for being themselves. They are applauded, not only by their peers, but also by staff and their own families, who may see them in a different way.

The name? “Patchwork Players” evolved from the huge paper quilt that is made as a backdrop for the show. Composed of 28 posters, it represents all of the members of the ensemble: a unique patchwork of individuals creating something together.

A Patchwork Players Quilt

What makes it work? One-to-one relationships of seniors and youth; brief intense time period (6 days of morning, afternoon and evening rehearsals, plus meals together); program flexibility that encompasses individual skills and needs; performance for both peers and families; support of the facility to adjust to the necessary logistics to pull it off!

Although this program is free, many facilities have donated the cost for room and board. This support is greatly appreciated.

“I think when I'm done here, I'd like to do something like Encore, just to give   back.”       -MacLaren youth

For more information, to schedule a Patchwork Players program, or to become a participant: contact Eliza at (541) 342-1630 or encore.theatre@iname.com .