Identifying an intergenerational topical issue is critical to forming the theme of your project. Topics and themes create the centerpiece around which the piece revolves. It is important to select a topic that mutually benefits all generations displayed in the project with care and respect. Consider highlighting the value of grandparents, the difficulties of economic struggle or how families recover from the turmoil of a life afflicted by political and military decisions as the basis for your work.
Multi-media projects often incorporate drama, photography, visual art or video. Collect original photographs or homemade works of art -- sculptures or paintings, for instance -- to use as a backdrop for a stage play. Consider displaying bride and groom photos, for example, if the theme of the project is how different generations value marriage. Incorporating interviews of family members or community residents may also enhance stage presentations.
Staging an original or previously published work can lead to crucial discussions about intergenerational issues. Create a story and characters to suit your topic of choice if you are writing an original piece. Write a play about the struggles of enduring and recovering from World War II, for example, or stage "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Wendy Kesselman, Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, to demonstrate the conflict of coming of age during a time of crisis. Monologues, one-man shows you can stage to perform different characters and points of view on a single issue, may also be a good choice.
A number of ways exist to reach out and connect -- beyond the stage -- with intergenerational groups and audience members. Donate a portion of the proceeds -- if you charge for tickets -- to an organization or ask audience members for donations if tickets are free. Local community centers, college centers for intergenerational learning, the National Council on Aging or the American Association of Retired People can help you identify intergenerational groups in your area. Additionally, holding a talk back -- a question and answer session -- with audience members after performances generates open discussion on the issues and allows you to discuss the evolution of your work in more detail.