Bonnie’s Column: Immerse yourself in Senior Theatre
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
Like any passion, theatre becomes more interesting when you immerse yourself in it. That’s how I like to live my life–immersed!
For example, last Thursday I was immersed. I began my day by workng with a playwright who has completed the music for his new show. Then I taught a drama class at a local retirement community. When I returned to my office I worked on a new playwright project, submitted a proposal, began preparation for a workshop at the Festival, and closed the day by taking our ‘office dog,’ Zeus, to get his nails trimmed. Whew!
But what joy comes from immersing yourself in theatre. There’s something you can learn from every element of our fascinating field. So try it–usher, take classes, work backstage, sell tickets, read plays, audition, and attend as many shows as you can.
In this newsletter you’ll find several great ways to explore Senior Theatre–The Festival in June, the Learning Series in August, and Performing the World in October. Dive in, immerse yourself!
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President
Please join participants from across the globe for the 7th biannual Performing the World Conference, October 4-7, 2012 in NYC. The Senior Theatre community is invited to take part in this multidisciplinary, multicultural 3-day exploration of performance as a means of individual, community, and world transformation.
Anyone who practices and/or studies performance is invited to submit proposals – for panels, workshops, performances, etc. – that address the question, “Can performance save the world?”
If you would like to collaborate or talk about ideas, email Susan Massad,MD.
While in New Orleans, enjoy a carriage ride through the French Quarter
Laissez les bon temps rouler! In the language of the Big Easy, “Let the good times roll!”
Plan on attending Senior Theatre USA’s 2012 Festival and Conference in the heart of New Orleans June 3-7 at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino. Discover performances and workshops representing the very best in Senior Theatre designed to help you perform at your highest level.
The Festival is an opportunity to connect and have fun with others who share your passion. Experience America’s best food, best music, and best times as well as the opportunity for you and your company to perform in the casino’s elegant theatre. You’ll leave this vibrant festival with lots of new ideas, new insights, and new friends.
When you’re selecting your show for the Festival, choose from our collection and you’ll be able to perform royalty-free! We have over 350 plays, all available for no royalty fees at the Festival. If you need scripts for a Festival show, contact us for further discounts. This is going to be fun!
Senior Theatre learning sessions announced
Lorelei Goldman and Joy Reilly lead a workshop at the 2011 conference
Senior Theatre comes to Washington DC this August. All things Senior Theatre are featured in our sessions at the ATHE conference. You’ll learn and enjoy:
Using Personal Story to Make History Come Alive: WWII From Those Who Were There
Senior Theatre Focus Group Meeting
Using Theatre to Educate, two performances
Sometimes A Rainbow–Old, Homeless, and Musical Comedy!
Using Theatre in Health Care, Dementia Care, and Civic Engagement
Singing, Dancing, Telling Your Story
Equal Rights, Civil Rights, Bullying–Using Theatre to Empower Issues
Around the world, actors have been performing our shows. Audiences have been entertained, thrilled, and asking for more! Here’s a brief list of some of them:
Saying they are the “finest senior community theatre group in Michigan,” Heart of the Hills Players brings 28 years of experience to their work. They began performing melodramas but now have moved to a full schedule. They present three major shows a year…a music, comedy skit and dance show in February, a Broadway musical in the spring, and a musical story variety show in the fall. Throughout the year they perform mini shows to senior housing facilities, senior centers, clubs and churches where they perform songs of yesterday, country, comedy, and dancing.
Now 100 members strong, Heart of the Hills Players takes pride in providing special opportunities for experienced and aspiring singers, actors, and dancers. They say that “Age is only a number to us; it’s what is in your heart that counts.”
Facebook: Now we can have a more extended conversation, by using our facebook page. Become a ‘fan,’ then send in information, and keep the connection and the movement growing!