About Debra Block
Debra Block, Creator & Artistic Director
Debra choreographed & directed theatre for children and young adults for over 28 years before she transitioned into the role of Activities Director, for 15 years, in independent, assisted, memory support, and long-term care senior living communities. Debra staged her first “senior” musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” at Center Communities of Brookline and NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham. Her next project involved adapting the script, “The Courtship of Maurice B. Friedman,” written by Ruth Edinberg, a resident of Orchard Cove, Canton who had been involved professionally in theatre. throughout her life. “This was an enriching experience for me and for Ruth “This was an enriching experience for me and for Ruth. In the lead role of Fanny, she reinvented the role she had been in her past professional life.”
Debra’s description of “senior theatre” is as follows:
“In addition to being magical, the performing arts have tremendous therapeutic value for participants. They give participants a voice, a means of self-expression and a time to reminisce. Discussing the characters and understanding the plot allow the actors insight into themselves. The process is intellectually stimulating, and the final performance is an exciting achievement.”
Interactive Film, Theatre Programs
Debra now entertains communities throughout New England by presenting interactive film, and theatre programs that are educational, entertaining, and thought-provoking! She also creates and directs “senior” theatre productions for Council on Aging centers, independent and assisted senior living communities, and multiple other venues.
What People Are Saying
“(Debra Block) gave my father Jack one of the highlights not only of his old age but of his whole life. He completely loved being in Fiddler. Thank you so much for that gift.”
— Sue D. (NewBridge on the Charles, Dedham)
“Debi Block is a warm, engaging, and energizing performer, who whisks her audiences away to a bygone Hollywood time. She presents lively videos and music, and she is genuinely interested in our participants’ reaction to the presentation. We have welcomed several participants who had never partaken in a virtual (Zoom) program in their lives- but the topic matter piqued their interest, and Debra got them engaged and talking about their connection to the actors/singers. I’d recommend Debra for for any program where you want participants to smile as they stroll down Memory Lane, and connect with Debra about their own personal memories .”
— Iana Seidmann (Program Coordinator, Newton Council on Aging )
“The show, The Courtship of Maurice B. Friedman, was a significant investment of energy and work for all who were in it. Debra Block deserves particular credit for having both the vision and drive to take our mother’s show, adapt it to the abilities of the cast and make it both meaningful and entertaining”