Bonnie speaks at the historic Arts and Aging Forum at Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon

I love my work!...and this past weekend I had a chance to share it--my expertise, and my passion--with over 70 people who gathered at the Marylhurst University to celebrate Arts and Aging. I had the honor of presenting the keynote address, Creativity and Aging.

We followed with a panel discussion, workshops, and a fundraising short course. Erica Terman and I also unveiled the new Pacific Northwest Arts and Aging Network, a regional arm of the National Center for Creative Aging. The combined chorus, featuring residents from several communities, entertained during lunch. Of course, attendees were able to select from our extensive arts and aging catalog offerings during the day.

Bonnie takes a moment from speaking to share Senior Theatre Connections with attendees

Our goal was to inspire more work in the arts and aging. If turnout and the attendee's enthusiasm were indicators, the event was a huge success!

Now is your chance to be a part of the Follies family!

Are You an Old Gypsy? A Real Trouper? The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a major Broadway-scale production, is in its 16th grand season at the historic Plaza Theatre and seeking male and female dancers and singers (who must have strong dance background) who are at least 55 years of age or older.

The Show features glamorous, sexy wardrobe; fabulous scenery; and exciting choreography by Joan Palethorpe and Carri Burbank Glen. The season runs from late August through May. Nevada wages are paid and accommodations are provided.

The Auditions will be held on Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Call backs will be on the 23rd and 24th. Singer auditions are by appointment only and are scheduled from 10am to 12pm. Dancer auditions (open call) begin at 1pm. Auditions will be held at The historical Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm, Springs, CA. 

For more information, call 760-778-7654 or email auditions@palmsprings follies.com.

Dave Kaplan: a computer geek who's a real person

It's not often that you come across a computer helper who makes you feel comfortable. But Dave Kaplan is that kind of guy. Since meeting him, he's helped me and my colleagues tackle thorny computer problems, working with folks in locations around the country. 

Dave's also designed websites for Senior Theatres including the new group, Philly Senior Stage. His pages are clean, clear, and easy to navigate. He can help with:

• Website design and construction
• Webhost and domain registration setup and configuration
• Email setup and configuration
  
• Site submission to promote site
• Graphic design
• Photography
  

In addition, Dave's fees are reasonable.

Contact Dave to see how he can help you!

DK Web Design
7057 SW Vermont Ct.
Portland, OR 97223
503-810-2881
davek7@gmail.com

Jewish Theatre of the South was a hit at the Senior Theatre Festival

The Senior Theatre Focus Group of ATHE (Association for Theatre in Higher Education) features five very special Senior Theatre sessions at this summer's convention from July 26-29. The topics range from working with older actors to a performance by the Jewish Theatre of the South. 

The conference is in New Orleans so our Senior Theatre Research and Performance Group is hosting several local actors in a session entitled, Mature Actors Impact on the New Orleans Theatre Scene. Because ATHE's focus is on colleges and universities, one of our sessions addresses the topic of Senior Theatre in those settings. The Eileen Heckert Senior Drama competition may provide some new insights into the session that addresses what playwrights need to know about Senior Theatre. 

There will be an opportunity, too, to socialize and share your own experiences during the casual dinner out and during our business meeting. 

In addition to our focus group's planned sessions, Harriet Lynn will represent Senior Theatre on ATHE's special project to create a performance based on participants find in post Katrina New Orleans.

Calling all Bob Redd Fans!

Bob Redd is back with his latest book of easy plays for older actors. Here, he's written 31 short 1 man, 1 woman plays that bring to life a middle class couple, Jack and Irma. They'll tickle your funny bone as they struggle with the ups, downs, and  transitions of retirement living.

The dialogue is based on the format used by performers like George Burns and Gracie Allen, a married couple who grew up on the vaudeville stage and then graduated into radio. Your going to enjoy their unique look at retirement life!

Like all of Bob's other plays, the plays are easy to stage and royalty free. This book of 31 plays follows Bob's others, "23," "21" and "25 Humorous, New, Skits and Comedy Scenes." Now, Bob has written 100 short plays! Each is $24.95. Click here to order.