b'CreatingLAUGHS AND STRENGTHENING MEMORY WITH IMPROV CL ASSESThe Chicago area is known for improv comedy. ManyBuilding Relationships, One Class at a Timestars of stage and screen got their start on ChicagoThe classes at Westminster Place consist of warm-up stages, and now Teri McEvoy is bringing the actionexercises, dramatic readings, compound-wordof improvisational comedy classes to residents ofexercises, improv games and scenarios, teaching Westminster Place. dialogue, and memory games specifically designed McEvoy, a 20-year acting veteran who trained withto benefit seniors. McEvoy remarked that she loves The Second City, the world-renowned improv andwatching the friendships that are formed, and even comedy school, has been teaching improv classessome romantic relationships as well. It really doesfor more than 10 years. She was inspired to teachhelp to laugh, said McEvoy. We all benefit fromseniors when her own mother was going throughthe medicine that is laughter. Class is a nice escape.chemotherapy, and she became aware of the importance of socialization opportunities for seniors.Learning Through LaughterMcEvoy teaches a class at Westminster Place every Thursday at 2:30 p.m., and the capacity is capped at 20 people. Its a popular activity for socialization, but its the laughter that keeps residents coming back time and time again. I tell women not to wear mascara to the classes, McEvoy shared, because it will come off after laughing so hard you cry!A Cinematic ConnectionResident Ann Whitney, whos 90, attends each week and has an interesting connection to McEvoy. Both women were in the 1990 movie Home Alone, which was filmed in Chicago. But its not just previous actors who participate in the class. Former doctors, lawyers, business people, and even a priest enjoy attending improv class.6 SCHEDULE A VISIT TODAY. | 847-383-0525| WestminsterPlace.org SCHEDULE A VISIT TODAY. | 847-383-0525| WestminsterPlace.org'