Re-Creation, USA consists of an enthusiastic troupe of several talented young volunteer performers who provide near-daily variety stage shows at VA medical centers and veterans nursing homes nationwide. The dedication of these young people, as they lift the spirits of our nation’s hospitalized veterans, is truly inspiring. The smiling faces, tapping feet and clapping hands of the audience of veterans is one of the most rewarding sights imaginable.
Performances range from variety-show song & dance based on hit movies such as Flashdance, Footloose and Titanic as well as classic childhood titles ranging from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Cinderella. There are also very touching patriotic-themes, which often elicit emotional responses from veterans and staff.
Re-Creation was founded in 1976 by Hugh Brooks when, as an instructor at Pennsylvania State University, he realized the tremendous therapeutic value live, professional entertainment could bring to hospital patients, prison inmates, nursing homes and other care-based facilities. Entertainers were enlisted and performances commenced within the state of Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter Re-Creation began touring for the USO and Veterans Affairs medical centers. Today the troupe performs over 300 shows annually, touring VA facilities in all 50 states!
Following is from a recent Re-Creation newsletter ~
Re-Creation receives performance requests from over 250 facilities nationwide annually, asking for another show.
“When are you coming back?” “Can we schedule now?” “How long must we wait?”
This is evidence that our work has an impact, but we realize that our mission is far greater than the one day per year we are able to spend at each facility.
And the effects of Re-Creation’s visit are felt weeks, even months after the group has gone. “Even though the Re-Creation show was more than three weeks ago, we still have veteran patients talking about it and asking when they’re coming back. Thank you for your efforts!”
So for those who have compromised quality of life, limb, emotions, talents, dreams and aspirations…all to follow the call of duty, all to secure our freedom…well, “every veteran, every day” is the least we can do.
We will press on in privilege.
Jay Muller, President
Re-Creation, USA, Inc.
To learn more about Re-Creation click here.
As a courtesy, following is Re-Creation’s schedule of upcoming VA and state veterans home performances. If you would like to attend a VA show, please contact either the Recreation Therapy or Voluntary Services department of your local facility for details. For nursing home performances ask for the Activities Department. Dates and times may change without notice.
| Date | May Performance Locations | Time |
| May 1, 2013 | Chicago, Illinois VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 2, 2013 | Hines, Illinois VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 3, 2013 | Battle Creek, Michigan VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 6, 2013 | Detroit, Michigan VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 7, 2013 | Ann Arbor, Michigan VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 8, 2013 | Grand Rapids, Michigan Veterans Home | 2:00pm |
| May 9, 2013 | Saginaw, Michigan VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 10, 2013 | Sandusky, Ohio Veterans Home | 10:00am |
| May 13, 2013 | Dayton, Ohio VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 14, 2013 | Chillicothe, Ohio VA Medical Center | 1:30pm |
| May 15, 2013 | Cincinnati, Ohio VA Medical Center | 7:00pm |
| May 16, 2013 | Fort Thomas, Kentucky VA Medical Center | 7:00pm |
| May 17, 2013 | Cleveland, Ohio VA Medical Center | 7:00pm |
| May 27, 2013 | Butler, Pennsylvania VA Medical Center | 1:30pm |
| May 28, 2013 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 30, 2013 | Marion, Illinois VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
| May 31, 2013 | Danville, Illinois VA Medical Center | 2:00pm |
