Forever Young: Exploring Puppetry in Aged Care Settings

Dannielle Jackson

Project Manager

Dannielle Jackson B.A (Fine Arts-Acting), Grad Dip. Dramatherapy, Grad Dip. Counselling.

Dannielle first began using an arts approach to aged care at Montefiore Jewish Home, recognising the multiple benefits of drama therapy for people experiencing cognitive decline and dementia. She later moved between numerous day facilities of Integrated Living where she successfully developed unique work in the field of aged care by using the client’s personal stories to write, design and perform short films that were then screened publicly in cinemas in NSW. In 2020 Dannielle was awarded the Australasian Elder Care for Best Dementia Care Program.

Dannielle also uses story making and theatre for healing in the areas of disability, mental health youth groups and domestic violence.

Dannielle’s practice is born from her extensive professional background and passions as
a theatre maker, actor, physical performer and puppeteer. She has worked professionally as an artist for over 15 years with some of Australia’s leading theatre companies. Dannielle’s skill set as an artist and her methods as a creative therapist complement and inform one another to make meaningful art.