Last month, my 87-year old mother jumped for the third time!

When I chose theatre, especially Senior Theatre, I wasn't thinking that this would be an 'easy' career. Instead, it was that theatre chose me. My fondness and connection to older people  pointed me toward putting the two ideas together. It's now 29 years later. I still strive to use theatre as a way to improve older people's lives. Just yesterday, a colleague remarked about how much "passion" I have for Senior Theatre. Indeed, I love my field and am empowered by how my work helps other people find fulfillment on stage. 

However, when my courage ebbs, I think of my Mother. Even though I edited and published her book, A Calf in the Kitchen, I never knew that she had always wanted to parachute. So it came as a surprise three years ago, when she announced that she was going to "jump!" She asked if any of us four children had any problem with her making the leap. We all thought it was great that our 84-year old mother would be so daring.

It's now three years later and each autumn she's taken to the skies. She's never afraid, just open to the sensation of freedom, the vision of landscape's beauty, and the exhilaration of the free fall.

But I think it's courage. I think of her bravery and sheer 'guts when I'm challenged. Since I possess the same strength and bravery as my mother, I can accomplish my goals. If she can jump from a plane, I can....

I urge you to grab a vision of courage that speaks to you. Use it to help you tackle your challenges. Remember, if you're successful, then we can help others reach their goals also...and that's what it's all about!

Bonnie Vorenberg

ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President

See yourself in the cast of The Kid Who Played the Palace

Now's the time to audition for The Kid Who Played the Palace, a new musical, which the producer intends to eventually bring to Broadway. The book, music, and lyrics are by Peter Sklar, who is also producing the show. The director is William Martin, whose last Broadway venture, The Lieutenant, was nominated for five Tony Awards.

The Kid Who Played the Palace takes us into the world of several precocious child actors as we see the eleventh-hour redemption of a troubled, but fascinating, individual who works with them.

Try out for one of the principal roles (Equity or non-Equity) including:

• MURRAY ROSEN is approximately 72 years old and is Jewish. The performer must have an excellent singing voice and be able to read music. He should have excellent acting skills and be a decent tap dancer with strong comic timing. The cast member should be attractive and very energetic.

• ROSIE SHAPIRO is approximately 62 years old and is Jewish. The performer should have an excellent singing voice and strong acting skills. She should be attractive, dynamic, bright, warm, and funny.

The producers are also looking for assorted featured chorus roles of all types, and both males and females, who are between ages 30 to 90 with excellent singing voices.

Dance of the Sugar Plump Fairies

When we read Dance of the Sugar Plump Fairies, we knew you would want to use it in your holiday celebrations. The play brings two cleaning women on stage to tidy up after a Nutcracker performance. Their mops and brooms transform, a spotlight shines, and they celebrate with singing, dancing, and castoff costumes. In the process, they discover their own vision for their future. 

This is a fun, upbeat show that’s easy to stage and a perfect way to create holiday magic! Comes in a convenient e-script. 2 Females 1 Male Voice, 15 minute comedy. Holiday special $10.00

Click here to order

Aging Artfully

Amy Gorman, author of Aging Artfully, was a featured guest on the NPR radio show, To the Best of Our Knowledge. The segment discussed creativity and aging.

Comedy legend returns to Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs!
Kaye Ballard opens the fabulous Palm Springs Follies' 17th Year. Ballard performs live onstage at the historic Plaza Theatre from October 30 through December 31, 2007. The Follies' "all new, all old" 17th season, Tin Pan Alley!, continues through May 17, 2008. Click here to learn more.

Seniors Acting Up in Biddeford, Maine will perform Attitude, a program of one-acts and short scenes on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 1 PM.

The Extended Run Players of San Antonio Texas presented three performances of The Golden Age of Radio in September. The show brought to life some of the most memorable "on air" programming from the Golden Age of Radio.

The Second Stage Players in Norman, Oklahoma recently presented its first production. It included a one-act comedy, an old-time radio show, and Voices of America, a dramatic reading. Ina St. John says, "Senior Theatre gives us a chance to do the things we've always wanted to do." Now, the group plans to take the show on tour to senior centers and other locations.

Harriet Lynn is a judge for the 3rd Annual Maryland Senior Idol Competition that will feature the vocal talents of senior adults from throughout Maryland as they compete on November 27. Modeled after the popular television show, American Idol, this competition showcases the vocal talents of Marylanders age 60+. Click here to learn more.

Gin and Tonic movie production wraped up production with Michael Veroneau as the director. They videotaped Gin and Tonic last week. Editing will start soon and is planned to be competed before Christmas. Click here to read about Gin and Tonic.

Turn, Turn, Turn: A Season of Senior Art is an exhibit of works created by local artists and residents of the Front Porch retirement communities.  The exhibit runs through November 4, 2007.

Bonnie's article in the AACT Spotlight

Senior Theatres have always worked well with Community Theatres. It's a natural match. This month Bonnie Vorenberg, ArtAge President, had the privilege of writing an article for the American Association of Community Theatre's Nov/Dec issue of the Spotlight. Take a look!

Also: 

• Read about the many ways you can find resourses and get help from the American Association of Community Theatre
• Read about the Encore Players of Grosse Pointe Theatre in Grosse Pointe, Michigan