Bonnie L. Vorenberg
ArtAge President, Playwright, Author, and Founder of Who’s Who in Senior Theatre
Bonnie L. Vorenberg (B.A., M.S. Theatre) has been called “The Guru of Senior Theatre” for her groundbreaking work as a nationally recognized expert and pioneer in the field. An educator, director, speaker, and author, she founded and directed an arts academy for seniors and a professional touring company that received prestigious grants from the National Endowment for the Arts plus state and local sources. Currently, she is the President of ArtAge’s Senior Theatre Resource Center, the main source for plays, books, and information.
Bonnie received the prestigious Ageless Legacy Award for Excellence in Creative Aging from the Oregon Gerontology Association. In addition, she was named a national “TrailBlazer” by the Administration on Aging and by the National Center for Creative Aging.
A leader in the Senior Theatre for decades
- Wrote one of the first theses in the field
- Edited the first anthology of new plays
- Directed one of the first Senior Theatres to receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts
- Wrote the first directory of Senior Theatre in the US, Canada, and around the world
- Created the first talent agency for seniors
- Compiled and maintained the first, and now the largest, database of Senior Theatre companies, professionals, and organizations
- Distributed the first Senior Theatre e-newsletter, now sent to 4200 readers worldwide
- Developed the literature of the field as a Publisher, with a current catalog of 400+ plays, books, and materials representing the work of 150+ playwrights and authors
- Maintained the first Senior Theatre website, now attracting 5000+ visitors each month, ranked #1 in Google search engine.
- Produced and directed the first online Senior Theatre performance.
In the Media
Ms. Vorenberg’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, American Theatre Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, on CNN.com, NBC, and many other media outlets. Oregon ArtsWatch, the state’s leading arts and culture journal, featured Bonnie in an article, Theatre Beyond Age Limits in which they describe her journey from an inspired graduate student to her current leadership role in an international scene of theater for and by older actors.
Her extensive writing includes many documents, articles, and the award-winning Senior Theatre Connections: The First Directory of Senior Theatre Performing Groups, Professionals, and Resources. She edited the first anthology of Senior Theatre scripts, New Plays for Mature Actors, and wrote the handbook, Enriching an Older Person’s Life Through Senior Theatre. Ms. Vorenberg is the author of Simple and Useful Activities in Adult Care Homes, used by the State of Oregon.
Bonnie is a founding member of Senior Theatre USA and served for many years as the Focus Group Rep and/or the Conference Planner for the Senior Theatre Focus Group for the Association of Theatre in Higher Education.
Bonnie is an enthusiastic and passionate speaker who has brought her practical and creative ideas to meetings of the:
- National Center for Creative Aging
- American Association of Community Theatre
- National Council on Aging
- Association for Theatre in Higher Education
- National Park and Recreation Association Washington Activity Directors Association, and many others.
Bonnie’s goal is to use information, education, and inspiration to help older adults find fulfillment in the arts!
Bonnie L. Vorenberg, Author of These Senior Theater Publications
Learn how to adapt classes and performances to online as you learn and have fun!
With this concise guide, chock-full of simple techniques and practical advice, you're well on your way to bring this awarding and dynamic form of theatre to older actors.
New! See the current state of Senior Theatre. Then discover who's performing, what they're doing, and the tips and tricks to make your adventure successful.
Based on the author's many years of teaching older actors, this document will help you organize, plan, market, and teach Senior Theatre classes that inspire.
This deck of 35 expression cards, printed on bright cover stock, can be used as starters for storytelling, in drama class, or as a way to stimulate improvisations.
122 Best Loved Songs for …
$14.99
These 122 tunes are the most memorable, fun and easy songs used in classes at senior centers, retirement housing, and other sites. Useful, easy, and fun!
Bibliography for Senior T…
$15.00
This complete list of books and dissertations plus magazine, journal, and newspaper articles will amaze you.
Connecting Baby Boomers t…
$10.00
Once Baby Boomers are attracted to your Community Theatre, it will never be the same!
Creative Engagement: Usin…
$15.00
Creative Engagement combines music, movement, and drama in a mixture that promotes communication and broadens expression.
Directing Older Actors
$15.00 – $20.00
Discover the techniques, adaptations, and tips that make directing older actors into an extremely rewarding experience!
Funding Your Senior Theatre
$15.00
Recently updated! Use these successful techniques to create stable and sustainable funding for your Senior Theatre.
How to Name a Senior Theatre
$10.00
The name you choose for your Senior Theatre company is very important. It shows others what kind of work you do, can tie you to a sponsor or to a geographic region. Whatever you choose, make it something special!
How to Start a Senior Theatre
$15.00 – $20.00
When you begin a Senior Theatre, you might feel like you're working to create a magical company with no road map. Use this step-by-step guide to help you find success.
Improv Starters
$15.00
This deck of 35 expression cards, printed on bright cover stock, can be used as starters for storytelling, in drama class, or as a way to stimulate improvisations.
New Plays for Mature Actors
$24.95
This ever-popular collection of ten plays brings you up-to-date characters in current situations with plenty of females roles. Useful for amateur to professionals. A classic Senior Theatre book!
New Trends in Senior Theatre
$10.00
Use this TipSheet to understand the breadth and depth of the field, including the latest research along with statistics, fundable ideas, and facts in today's Senior Theatre.Senior Readers Theatre Ma…
$15.00 – $20.00
With this concise guide, chock-full of simple techniques and practical advice, you're well on your way to bring this awarding and dynamic form of theatre to older actors.
Thanks, as always, for the commissions! I tell many people about ArtAge and how you’ve made my play available for downloading and performance. Thanks so much!
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