Ann Smith in "Inhale, Exhale, Stretch & Move"

I was at our ArtAge booth at the ASA/NCOA convention in Anaheim when a distinguished woman, Ann Smith, introduced herself to me. I could tell she was a dancer but then she showed me her work: video tapes that help seniors use dance movements for stretching, waking up and enjoying life a bit more. I was thrilled.

A few days later, when I was sniffling with a cold, I popped Ann's tape, "Inhale, Exhale, Stretch & Move" into the VCR. I was entranced with the music, her presence and most importantly, the pleasant easy movements that made me feel better by the moment. Ann, now almost 79 years old, has changed me--not only on that day, but on many days since then.

Since Ann's tapes work so well for me, we thought you might enjoy them also. One features the music of Mozart, another is just for seniors but all of them help you get a nice stretch, easily. Either way, I know that you'll love having Ann in your life, as much as I do!

Bonnie L. Vorenberg, ArtAge Publications President

The Jones Store and Macy's Family of stores have organized a national fundraising event. All non-profit organizations who register will be given special shopping passes to sell for $5 each and they can keep 100% of the profits. When your guests "Shop for a Cause," they'll save from 10%-20% on most of their purchases all day on September 16.

If your non-profit would like to be part of this event, you must register your organization as soon as possible because some tickets will be distributed in the next week or so. Contact "Shop for a Cause" Coordinator at 800-835-9718 or contact them by email.

Jerry Davis reviews "New Plays for Mature Actors" at a recent convention

It's not too late to make plans to attend the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Conference (ATHE) in Chicago early next month. You'll find several Senior Theatre sessions and performances. They include:

Senior Theatre: Past, Present and Future

Senior Theatre has a firmly-rooted history in what is now a burgeoning field, filled with opportunity. Discover the basis for the current growth and future directions of the field. The future is bright for Senior Theatre!

Workshop: Transforming Lifewriting and Oral History into Dynamic Performances

Whether stories are spoken or written, they can be the basis for powerful productions. In this workshop, you will learn how to collect, analyze and dramatize recollections into memorable theatre.

Performances by Still Acting Up and the 21st Century Sceniors

Experience the joy of older performers on stage! Still Acting Up, which has brought their positive aging message to hundreds of audiences for over 29 years, will present "No Senior Left Behind: a Novel Approach." The session concludes with a presentation of "Waiting for Dr. Hamlett" by the 21st Century Sceniors.

Directing the Mature Actor

Great numbers of mature actors are returning to classrooms and stages to learn about theatre. This session will discuss hints, techniques and methods so you can bring out the best talent from your mature performers.

Two Performances: Creating Theatre by Telling Stories based on Health or History

Health issues and history come alive when they are staged theatrically. Learn how to create productions based on topical issues. Sharon Huston-Findley, College of Wooster performs, "In Memory of Me" and Sister Germaine Corbin's group from the University of the Incarnate Word presents "World War II Readers Theatre: Memories on Review."

Dinner Out

A casual dinner for everyone interested in Senior Theatre is always a convention highlight. Join us as we eat, meet, greet and chat!

Senior Theatre Focus Group (STRP) Business Meeting.

The group will discuss current projects and future events in Senior Theatre.

For more information about Senior Theatre sessions, contact Focus Group Rep, Steven Pennell at spennell@etal.uri.edu or call 401-277-5206. You can also contact Bonnie L. Vorenberg at bonniev@seniortheatre.com or call 816-361-1100.

For more information about the convention, visit http://www.athe.org

Pat Barnett and Sarah Worthington enjoy a moment during the first day of class at the OSU Theatre & Aging Seminar

For the next two weeks, the rehearsal halls and meeting rooms at Ohio State's Drake Performance and Event Center will be filled with Senior Theatre as their Theatre and Aging Seminars swing into action. In one room, Alan Woods leads participants as they examine the history of and new plays for Senior Theatre.

In the New Works Lab, Joy Reilly and members of the Howling at the Moon ensemble demonstrate how lifewriting transforms life stories into powerful performance pieces. The seminars bring together undergraduate and graduate students mixing easily with classmates from their parents' and grandparents' generation. Together, they discover that personal experiences create dynamic performances. Click here to read more about Lifewriting.

Ohio State's Theatre and Aging seminars are part of the first graduate program in Senior Theatre in the country, where it's also possible to earn a graduate certificate in gerontology.

Shows like "Jake's Women," performed by the Hot Springs Village Players, will be at the Senior Theatre Festival. Photo by John Citron

Plans for the Senior Theatre Festival, from October 4-7, are firming up as registrations pour in! The Festival will offer many opportunities for Senior Theatre lovers to polish their skills, network and attend the highlight of the Festival, the performances!

You won't want to miss the Main Stage shows:   

Senior Star Showcase will present Tin Pan Alley, a musical journey featuring the works of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, George M. Cohan and others. Click here to learn more about Senior Star Showcase.

The UNLV Senior Adult Theatre Program will perform Lemonade and Pluto, an original play in which a retired woman must choose between forgoing her travel plans and raising her 'Goth' teenage grandson. Click here to learn more about UNLV's Senior Theatre program.

C.A.S.T. San Diego performs their Broadway Cabaret, a musical revue of Broadway show scenes, songs and dances. Click here to learn more about C.A.S.T. San Diego.

Anderson University Senior Follies presents the original musical, Honey, I'm Home! --an innovative twist on the reunion of family & friends throughout time. Click here to learn more about the Anderson Senior Follies.

Some of the Lab Theatre shows are: 

Howling at the Moon will present original monologues created through the Lifewriting process and featured in their new book, Age on Stage: Lifewriting Your Monologue. Click here to learn more about Howling at the Moon.

Austin Drive Drama Ensemble will perform Family Matters, which focuses on a family picnic.

Darnell Players will perform an original play.

Stay tuned for the full schedule which will be jam-packed with workshops, papers, exhibits and many different kinds of Senior Theatre performances. As a reminder, be sure to make you travel and lodging plans now. Visit the website or contact Tracy Macmorine at (513) 745-3576 for more information

Turn to our Senior Theatre Resource Center for the largest collection of Senior Theatre materials--plays, books, videos and more. In addition, we can help you:

• Solve difficult creative or management issues
• Get the word out about your work
• Locate speakers and workshop presenters
• Find information about Senior Theatre.

Whatever your needs, we are here to solve your problems. Contact us by email, phone 1-800-858-4998, or visit our website.