On Saturday, October 10 at 10:00 am, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) presents Singin’ in the Rain (1952) as part of a new Dementia-Inclusive Series. The film, organized in partnership with Northwest Film Forum, Elderwise and Barclay Shelton Dance Centre, is the first in a 3-film series designed to be “dementia-inclusive” with the consultation support of Elderwise (elderwise.org). The series continues with Peter Pan (1924) on March 5 and a Golden Era Sing-Along on April 30.

Singin’ in the Rain audience members will be made aware that some patrons may talk or get up during the film – which is OK! Theatre house lights are left on low so the audience can see and move around if necessary. Each dementia-inclusive film will conclude with an optional group discussion facilitated by eldercare and memory care professionals. Though film events are designed with accessibility for individuals with memory loss as a priority, the general public and audience members of all ages are welcome to attend. In particular, the series presents a unique opportunity for younger family members, grandchildren and friends to spend time with elders in an intergenerational setting, and to connect over classic films.

ECA’s Dementia-Inclusive Series is a line-up of creative and social enrichment programs for people with dementia, their care partners, families and friends. The program was developed collaboratively with the feedback and support of senior services organizations, eldercare and memory care professionals, and arts groups in the Puget Sound region. With the mission to create opportunities for people with memory loss and their care partners to connect and experience joy through the arts, ECA is committed to providing a space where community members with dementia feel welcome and valued; where their creative contributions are celebrated; and where quality time can be spent with families and care partners.

Each film in ECA’s Dementia-Inclusive Series includes an opening act by Barclay Shelton Dance Centre students. Singin’ in the Rain will open with a live performance of “Good Morning,” which is featured in the original film.

To purchase tickets to Singin’ in the Rain, visit www.ec4arts.org or call the ECA Box Office at 425.275.9595. Seating is general admission, with wheelchair-accessible and special needs seating available for reservation through the ECA Box Office. Tickets are $10, or $25 for a 3-film package. Subsidized $2 admission will be available to individuals qualifying for DSHS benefits, through ECA's Arts for Everyone program. Please contact Gillian Jones at 425.275.9483 or gillian@ec4arts.org for details.

The pilot year of ECA’s Dementia-Inclusive Series also includes improvisation workshops for individuals with early stage memory loss (ESML) and care partners, led by Taproot Theatre; and a 2-day community songwriting workshop series with Songwriting Works, to be held at the Edmonds Senior Center. Improvisation workshops, called “Re-Ignite the Mind with Improvisation and Play,” will take place on the ECA stage on October 20, 27, November 3 & 10, 2015 from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. Admission is $10 per class, with free admission for care partners (1 partner max.) Please contact the ECA Box Office at 425.275.9595 to register. Registration for Community Songwriting Workshops will open in spring 2016.