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Happy New Year from all of us at ArtAge!
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Bonnie's Column
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What to do on a snowy day? Eat chocolate with husband, Robert!
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It's
late January and we've just had a whopping snow storm, all of 3 inches,
which has paralyzed Portland, Oregon. Those who live in more snowbound
states always chuckle at us, the wimpy Oregonians. Still, the snow makes me think about the need to be resilient.
Anyone
in the arts is resilient but those of us in Senior Theatre are
even more so. We work in a largely undiscovered field as we battle for
funding, space, supplies, and credibility. Since many projects are beginning now, this issue is dedicated to those who are starting Senior Theatres. We welcome newcomers to our field along with a wish for "resiliency!"
Here are my 15 Tips to Creating a Successful Senior Theatre:
1. Start Small--a group of ten can entertain thousands
2. Use "no memorization, no prior experience required" to attract performers
3. Do readers theatre or script-in-hand performances
4. Start with classes
5. Find a director
6. Use comedies
7. Read a lot of plays to find the best ones for your company
8. Explore different types of Senior Theatre
9. Don't "put on a show" until the program is ready for performance
10. Spend money on costumes, props, set pieces
11.
Market the program to both the arts and the aging communities in your
locale. Use news releases, programs, announcements to build interest
12. Use microphones when performing
13. Pay royalties
14. Be creative
15. Stay connected with ArtAge Publications and the Senior Theatre Resource Center!
The
New Year is bright with possibilities just as Senior Theatre is rich
with opportunity. When your resiliency is tested, turn to us at ArtAge for advice and guidance to help you solve problems. We're here to help you find success in
Senior Theatre!
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications
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How to Start a Senior Theatre
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Many Senior Theatres begin with classes. Photo courtesy of "The Entertainers"
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There is no need for you to begin from scratch if you are starting a Senior Theatre because of the many resources available to guide you. We recommend:
TipSheet: How to Start a Senior Theatre
When you begin a Senior Theatre, you might feel like you're out on a limb, working to create a magical company with no roadmap. Don't fret. Use this step-by-step guide to help you get started. It includes ideas about how to find a sponsor, locate a director and select the form of Senior Theatre that fits your mission. Learn how to feel secure with a small group and how to begin your publicity campaigns while you remember to have fun! Only $10.00 Click here for more information.
TipSheet: How to Name a Senior Theatre
The name you choose for your Senior Theatre company is very important. It shows what kind of work you do, can tie you to a sponsor or a geographic region. Whatever you choose, make it YOU! The information was developed from an analysis of 630 companies in the ArtAge Publications database, the largest in the field. Use this Tip Sheet to explore the many names being used for performing companies. Then evaluate which ones work for you. Use the handy combination chart to help you select a name that reflects your company. Read about over-used names, favorites and advice about how the name you choose can affect your future growth and fundraising opportunities. Only $10.00. Click here for details.
Seasoned Theatre: How to Create and Maintain a Senior Theatre
After many years of working with senior actors, the author has written a virtual road map on how to establish and maintain a Senior Theatre. Answer your questions about how to organize, recruit, and work with older actors, choose appropriate material, make technical decisions, locate a space, attract audiences, generate funds, and more. Only $13.95. Click here for more information.
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Click here for acting and directing information for mature performers
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New Book: Reminiscence Theatre by Pam Schweitzer
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Pam Schweitzer helps you use memories on stage
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There are several wonderful books on how to use life stories to create theatre. Now they are joined by the latest addition, Reminiscence Theatre by Pam Schweitzer.
Pam founded Age Exchange Theatre Trust in 1983. It was the first full-time professional theatre company that toured reminiscence theatre across the UK and Europe. In 2000 Pam was awarded the MBE for services to Reminiscence and she continues to direct the European Reminiscence Network, lecturing, directing and training in reminiscence and related fields.
In 1993, Pam founded and was Artistic Director of the Good Companions, a Senior Theatre, which produced 10 original productions, that were performed throughout Europe.
Reminiscence Theatre is a comprehensive guide to the nature, practice and therapeutic effects of reminiscence theatre. Drawing on examples from a range of real-life case studies, Pam Schweitzer provides practical advice on how to draw out oral histories, create a script, and develop the material into a dramatic production.
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Click here to see more "Memories on Stage" resources
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New organization, Senior Theatre USA, is off and running
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Design a new logo for Senior Theatre USA
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Senior Theatre League of America's transition to Senior Theatre USA is now complete. Our new home is at The Campbell House Foundation, 1508 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.
Here's our new Mission Statement:
Senior
Theatre USA is a national organization that produces festivals and
conferences to encourage older adults to explore the performing arts.
Design a new logo. We are looking for our 21st century graphic design. The logo must:
1. Contain the words Senior Theatre USA
2. Appear theatrical in design, including all genres of performance
3. Be inclusive of all people, gender and race and have a national flavor
4. Reflect Senior Theatre as fun
5. Be a strong graphic image that will work in many applications.
The winner will receive a FREE conference registration for the 2008 Senior Theatre Festival. Click here to submit entries by email to Arne Lindquist at alindquist@ccbcmd.edu. You can also send them to Arne at CCBC, 7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21237.
Host the 2008 Senior Theatre Festival. We are looking for individuals or companies to host the next festival. The local host helps with contacts, connections, and information that only a local person knows. If you'd like to explore the opportunity, click here to email Dolores Kane at dkane1@swbell.net, the host of the 2006 festival. She will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
More news coming. Watch this space for updates about the organization and the next festival.
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Directors Still Needed for Important Study
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Joan needs YOU!
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As you may remember from our last issue, Joan Kole needs your help in her dissertation research project on Senior Theatre. She's studying how to direct mature actors who work in the community. Her study will help directors find more success in their Senior Theatre programs. Joan will contact you so that you can have a conversation. Of course, you are guaranteed anonymity and confidentiality. It's important that as many directors as possible participate in this study.
Joan is well respected for her contributions to community theatre. She received the Rockford Area Arts Council's 2005 Individual Arts Advocate Award. Joan has acted in, directed and/or produced more than 50 professional or community theater productions in six states. She is the artistic director of AgeQuake Theatre.
Call Joan at (815)398-8090 or (815)914-8861 or email jekdirector@rockriver.net. Your help is appreciated.
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You're Never Too Old to Love: Romantic plays that are sure to please
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The Autumn Players give love a playful twist! (Photo by Roger Bargainnier)
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Love is a constant theme for Senior Theatre plays in our catalog so check these out:
Just a Song at Twilight. 1 man, 1 woman, 30 minutes. Click here to read how the show played out in the playwright's life, long after the script was written. See how companies have staged the work. You're going to enjoy this award-winning script. Click here to see the script in "New Plays for Mature Actors" or order as an e-script.
Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams. A collection of many love stories. Complied by the folks at UNLV, the book has ten plays that feature mature characters who are dynamic and romantic! The book is very useful because it includes plays that range from monologue length, to ten-minute scripts, and to one acts. 130 pages. A must-have for anyone interested in the latest in Senior Theatre entertainment. Click here for details.
Gin and Tonic. 10 minutes, 1 man, 1 woman. This laugh-out-loud comedy offers a fresh look at the problems of senior dating. Olive is having a bad day when she is interrupted by Stanley, a brash fellow who seems to have mistaken her office for the nearby Senior Dating Service. He tries to impress her and the verbal duel becomes
hilarious. Click here to order in paper or e-script.
Call or contact us if you need more information about plays based on love.
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Click here to see the entire ArtAge catalog of plays, books and materials for mature performers
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New at ArtAge:
- Visit our webpage and use the new Search Tool to find information quickly and easily.
- Tell us how your determine performance fees and we'll take $5 off of your next order!
Thanks for your support of ArtAge Publications
and the
Senior Theatre Resource CenterWe help mature adults be stars on stage!
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