Catherine Reynolds | Mar 08, 2017


Sometimes the world of make-believe can bring-out the best in a person. Just ask Dalia Gesser, a theatre arts teacher from Battersea.

“I used to perform my own clown, mime and mask shows and toured all over Ontario for 20 years, performing for schools, libraries, festivals and theatre series,” says the petite 58-year-old with a smile in early March 2017.

“In the late 1990s, I began to shift my theatre arts focus to arts/education and received a bunch of grants from the Ontario Arts Council which allowed me to bring theatre arts workshops to many elementary schools in the Greater Kingston region. In the last two years, I've been focusing on programs for seniors.”

Majoring in dance in university in New York State then later attending the Canadian Mime School in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Dalia is bringing theatre arts to the area. She's doing this through songs, theatre games, mime, movement, original use of props and story sharing.

“In all classes and workshops, students are challenged to use their bodies, minds and imaginations in a fun and positive setting, building self-confidence and body awareness,” says Dalia. “Music is an integral part of every workshop experience, with an eclectic selection to enhance different exercises, set moods and inspire ideas.”

A resident of South Frontenac since 1992, Dalia wants the community to know the benefits of theatre arts.

“Being self-employed, I'm always for hire,” she says with a laugh about her teaching services. “Now I'm available to do seniors' programs.”

Dalia recently received her second grant from the Ontario Arts Council which will fund two senior programs in two different locations. This grant program is called Theatre Arts for the Young at Heart.

From mid-March to the end of June, she will lead a seniors’ group at the Hildegarde Centre, a day program located in Providence Manor in Kingston. From September to mid-December, she will work with seniors at Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque.

“Both programs will involve theatre games, mime & movement, songs as well as story sharing culminating in an informal presentation by the participants in both centres,” she confirms.

Creative and fun, Dalia has spent years working with youth. Now, she’s enjoying her time working with seniors.

“I’ve been working with kids for so many years, it’s nice to have a change and work with seniors,” she explains kindly. “The seniors who take part in my workshops tend to have a great sense of humour, enjoy participating and love to share their life stories. It's heartwarming to watch them interact with their peers. A few things I like to do with them is to use everyday objects in original ways, act out various activities in mime and listen to their stories. Everyone has endless stories. It’s nice to help seniors remember their stories and give them an opportunity to share their past.”

Dalia sees the arts as a component of a healthy society.

“My theatre arts programs help with cognitive ability and memory loss,” she notes. “Exercises help people physically, psychologically and emotionally. It’s great stimulation for any age, but especially for seniors.”

Speaking on behalf of Carveth Care Centre, Activity Director Shannon Buell is looking forward to the workshop for seniors.

“We know this is going to spark interesting conversations by the residents about their past,” she says wisely. “The classes will be well-received by the residents and appreciated by their families who will enjoy a presentation at the end. It’s great to see how much is accomplished by theatre arts.”

To learn more about theatre arts in South Frontenac, contact Dalia Gesser at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit her website at compacttheatre.jimdo.com

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