Here's the result of so many steps--our new catalog

If you've heard a huge sigh of relief, it's because our new catalog is finally back from the printer and on its way to the mailing house. This major project doesn't roll around often but when it does, it reminds me of how a goal is made up of many smaller steps. So sometimes, it's better to focus on each progression. Get that done and then move ahead to the next one.

In Senior Theatre, it's the same way. If you work with beginning actors, you need to set realistic goals. "Start small" and "grow slowly" have been two phrases that I've used often as a director and later as a consultant for Senior Theatres. Take a moment to appreciate the accomplishment of each small step. Then, breathe in and go ahead to the next level. That sense of a job well done with give you momentum to move ahead. 

Let our new catalog guide you. It has something for everyone, from novice performers to skilled professionals. For directors, you'll find the catalog makes finding scripts quick and easy. For teachers, turn to the many 'how to' materials we offer. Our goal is to make fulfilling experiences in Senior Theatre a snap. Always know that you can call or email us if you have more needs.

So, enjoy the new catalog. Let us know what you think. Then realize that it's a product made up of many small steps. Each done, with you in mind. Enjoy!

Bonnie L. Vorenberg
ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President 

Plan to attend the workshops at the Senior Theatre USA Festival

The Senior Theatre Festival is always a stimulating experience that inspires attendees and participants alike. It teaches new techniques and ideas in a sharing atmosphere. Better yet, the shows are non-stop fun and quality, delightful entertainment. If you're interested in Senior Theatre, you simply have to attend.

As the Senior Theatre Festival gets closer, so do the deadlines:

Due NOW: Workshop presenters should submit their ideas for presentations they'd like to make at the Festival. If you are interested in facilitating a session at the Senior Theatre USA Festival, please contact Dolores Kane at dkane1@swbell.net as soon as possible.

May 1: Deadline to register at the hotel.

May 10: Deadline for Conference Registration. 

June 2: Playwrights in the playwriting workshop need to submit their scripts in hard copy by this deadline. More details are at the website listed below. 

In 2006, over 250 attendees came to St. Louis. This year, we expect even more. Join us!

Jain Hall is the 2007 Ms. Elite United Nation

If you've ever thought of entering a pageant, now's the time. Known for sophistication and elegance, the United Nation Pageant Elite Division, is the crowning event for women 50+.

The 2008 contest will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah from July 21-27. Entry deadline is May 31, 2008.

The purpose of the contest is to empower women over 50 to develop and use their strength and inner qualities to positively impact people throughout the world. To enter the contest you can be single, divorced, widowed, or married.

United Nation delegates are judged on interview, physical fitness, and wellness. The pageant believes that taking pride in one's body is more important than its actual shape or size. Wellness in mind, body and spirit are key elements of the fitness competition. United Nation contestants compete in sports wear and evening gown to highlight poise and grace.

For details about the contest, visit the below link, email director@unitednationpageants.com, or call 713-910-0799. Click here to read more about Jain.

The United Nation Pageant is a non-profit, 501(c) organization.

The Follies in Action!

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is seeking male and female dancers and singers (who must have strong dance background) who are at least 55 years of age or older. The Follies, a major Broadway-scale production, is in its seventeenth grand season at the historic Plaza Theatre. The Show features glamorous, showgirl wardrobe; fabulous scenery; and exciting choreography. The season runs from mid-August through May. Nevada wages are paid and accommodations are provided. The Audition dates are Wednesday, May 21st and Thursday, May 22nd, 2008. Call backs will be on the 22nd and 23rd. Singer auditions are by appointment only and are scheduled from 11am to 12pm. Dancer auditions (open call) begin at 1pm. 

Audition Location: The historical Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm, Springs, CA. 

Call 760-778-7654 or e-mail auditions@psfollies.com

Creativity Matters will be one of the most important tools in your library!

Now success is assured--for every arts and aging project you create! From the leaders in the arts and aging movement, this book will guide your program with detailed information, examples, and suggestions about how to create an arts and aging project. The 10 chapters, 235 pages cover everything:

• How the arts benefit older adults
• Arts and aging services
• Program design and implementation
• Evaluation
• Public awareness
• and more.

With an appendix rich with resources, you'll have plenty of advice and examples to enhance your own successful arts and aging program. It will be one of the best 'tools' in your library. Only $35!

Photo from a recent Philly Senior Stage performance

Senior Theatre of the Month: Philly Senior Stage. The group has been very successful with theatre classes and activities in the Philadelphia area.

The Ms. Senior California of America pageants 2008 for women 60+ have begun. The  preliminary pageant at the Balboa Park Club was held on February 16. The remaining preliminary pageants are from April through August. The three top finalists will advance to the Ms. Senior California Pageant. The woman capturing the title of Ms. Senior California 2008 will represent California at the Ms. Senior America Pageant, October 19-25, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Click here for details.

The Anderson Senior Follies performed in early March, filling 7,700 seats. They performed Senior Moments which revolved around the fun and rewards of being a senior. "It's easily the funniest show we have ever done," says director Director Annette Cantrell Martin.  For nearly two decades, Senior Follies has been a hot ticket. The group has traveled the country, performing in theaters and on television, from Good Morning America to The Today Show to Charleston's Piccolo Spoleto Festival. 

Inside Broadway, a 25-year-old organization that brings musical theater to audiences, announced their 2008 initiative, The Magic of Broadway, will be a four-month project to bring the arts to seniors through a special grant through New York City's Departments for the Aging and of Cultural Affairs.

Mt. Shasta Senior Theatre will be singing, dancing, telling stories, doing readers' theater, and other on-stage schtick during A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Bingo, on March 28-30 at College of the Siskiyous in Weed. The show will include monologues, an audience quiz, and "intergenerational theater" in the COS Black Box Theater stage. Artistic director Joan Lucas says the bar was set high last year so this year's cast has been hard at work to create "a show of equal or greater caliber." Click here for more information.