OLLI: Saving Lives with Theatre, Rehearsing for Disaster

Theatre is more than entertainment—it is a powerful tool for training, preparedness, and care. This course explores how theatrical techniques are used in real-world, life-saving contexts such as healthcare simulation, disaster response training, emergency preparedness, and community education. Participants will learn how storytelling, character embodiment, environmental design, and applied performance help first responders and medical professionals rehearse complex, high-stakes situations safely and effectively. Drawing from large-scale disaster simulations and interdisciplinary collaborations, the course reveals how theatre artists contribute to realism, empathy, communication, and decision-making under pressure. No prior theatre experience is required.

Presented by Mallory Maria Prucha, who is an Associate Professor of Costume Design & Technology at Texas Tech University. Prucha's research focuses on arts-integrated simulation, in addition to her primary discipline. She leads large-scale disaster preparedness and healthcare training projects in partnership with medical, emergency management, and civic organizations, demonstrating how theatre practices directly support public safety, education, and resilience.

Questions? Contact Bill at william.minter@ttu.edu.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) presentations are open to the public; however, membership is limited to adults aged 50 or older.