February 2021

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Bonnie's Column

What I've found is, hope is better than despair,
action is better than inaction,
and when things change like they have,
there are opportunities to be had.
 Lee Silber
 

It feels weird to be saying this, but now is the time for opportunities. We've settled in to new norms of wearing masks, staying socially distant, and traveling less. With these routines now old hat, we find ourselves looking for inspiration. Luckily, we don't have to look far. Senior Theatres are doing some remarkable things!

We're so excited to hear how companies are busy--from socially distant performances to moving all of their activities (meetings, rehearsals, and performances) to online platforms. If you're still stalled, discover new ideas by watching other theatre groups perform online. Spring is a wonderful time to start something new! Here are some other suggestions:

• Online: Start by attending the FREE seminar on Take Your Senior Theatre Online on February 11. We are honored to have been selected by ICAA, the International Council of Active Aging, to present this educational seminar. Join us!
• Puppetry. Check out the puppetry grants from the Jim Henson Foundation. Try a sweet play for puppets (or humans), The Refigerator, or learn how to be a ventriloquist.
• Playwriting: Write a play. For guidance on what works, Writing Plays for Senior Theatre is helpful.
• Learn a new skill: Take an online class in tap dance, singing, makeup, costumes, or acting in television commercials.
• For performing companies: Clean your costumes and props, write grants, read plays, update your mailing list, or improve your "Zoom" presence.

Our Read a Play on Friday Series is a big hit. We are looking forward to seeing you in our March session!
 
Look for opportunities, seize them, and "spring" into action!

Yours in theatre,

Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications

Take Senior Theatre Online: It's Fun and Creative!
presented by
Bonnie L. Vorenberg

February 11, 2021
1PM Eastern
(Noon Central, 11AM Mountain, 10AM Pacific)


 

Doing Senior Theatre online is fun, stimulating, and easier than it sounds! This webinar will help you either start or maintain a drama group as you explore plays and maybe even rehearse for streaming productions. You'll be able to create experiences so your seniors' hearts, minds, and bodies will be engaged theatrically. This session will be led by Bonnie L. Vorenberg who combines her many years of teaching theatre to older actors with her online educational experiences. She will help you get familiar with the basics so you can get up and running quickly.

Join Bonnie and Learn How to: 

• Set up and adapt your activities to online settings
• Format classes, lesson plans, and select plays that work well online.
• Lead improvisation and creative drama in the "virtual" world

Spring into Senior Theatre 2021 with these plays!

February is the perfect time to plan spring projects and performances. Celebrate fresh starts, new romance, a change in weather, and the hope of sunnier days ahead with these plays!
On Sale - $5 off e-scripts - now until February 12, 2021

• The Challenge of Bureaucracy An older lady calls for help over a missing Social Security check and gets tangled in red tape.
   
• Cuckoos in Cahoots at the Villa Estates Four short comedies woven together by four quirky women and one calm and reasonable Walter.
   
• The Health and Wellness Club Meets Members meet to share tips for living a happier, healthier life. Perhaps the ideas are a little off the wall?
   
• Lunch Ladies at L’Ambrosia Luncheria  Two proper women transform into wacky diners when they have trouble paying for their expensive meal.
   
• Matzo Balls Shirley Holmes and Dottie Watson are on the case of the missing Matzo Balls
   
• Mother’s Day A 72 year-old mom and her compatriots concoct a madcap scheme to lure a visit from her daughter.
   
• Muriel’s Mission Muriel's on a mission to leave the rehabilitation center. Her souvenir? His name is Maurice.
   
• Now Hear This Characters on a cruise ship continuously misinterpret passed messages, similar to the old telephone game.
   
• The Radio Show The guest actor and actress on a radio broadcast go off script and destroy the entire show!
   
• Sunny Room in Charming House A neatnik rents a room to a free spirit and their lives become a whirlwind of humorous conflict.
   
• Viagara Falls & the 70 Year Old Virgin A borrowed container of artificial sweeteners brings chaos to the retirement village.

Spotlight on:
Cosmic Elders!
 

Cosmic Elders represent an expansive and wildly irreverent approach to aging. Through ensemble-devised performances, on-going creative research, and public workshops, Cosmic Elders position themselves as zestful agents of art in the community. Since 2015, Theatre Maker/Director Evan Johnson has cultivated an inclusive environment of risk-taking and collaboration for older adults. 
 
Check out the all-new Wiggle Room for Eccentricity! on YouTube and subscribe to Cosmic Elders’ YouTube channel to see how the Cosmics are managing to stay playful and connected during this time of COVID. “Wiggle Room” is inspired by the great physical comedians of yesteryear; it's guaranteed funny for all ages!

    

Download our catalog:

The largest collection of plays, books, materials, and information for older performers.
 

Contact us at:

PO Box 19955, Portland OR 97280
503-246-3000 or 800-858-4998
bonniev@seniortheatre.com     www.seniortheatre.com

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