What is Senior Theatre?

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Senior Theatre is drama designed specifically for older adults, using techniques that accommodate the abilities of seniors, in active participation. Scripts feature a majority of older characters in current situations in older persons’ lives, in age appropriate roles.

Bonnie Vorenberg, an expert in the field says, “Senior Theatre is one of the fastest growing forms of the performing arts?” The number of companies has grown from 79 in 1997 to 791 before the pandemic, according to our database, the largest in the field.

Performers range from professional to amateur to frail elders in both rural and urban settings. Participants are usually between 50 to 90 years, with most being in their late 60’s to mid- 80’s. Bonnie says, “I am often asked, ‘Who qualifies to be in Senior Theatre?'” and my answer is “Anyone who wishes to be in Senior Theatre!” Age doesn’t limit participation.

Senior Theatre companies are sponsored by all levels of theatres, senior centers, retirement communities, colleges, universities, parks, social service and arts organizations.

What kind of theatre do seniors enjoy performing? Senior Theatres perform many genres but short plays are the most popular. Groups also stage fully mounted plays, follies, variety shows, autobiographical scripts, puppetry, and more. Some groups use theatre to highlight aging, intergenerational problems, health concerns, or other issues. Seniors also appear as solo performers, in films and commercials. Many help backstage, as ushers, or in the box office. They also study theatre in colleges and universities or try their hand as playwrights.

Studies prove that Senior Theatre promotes better physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual health while it builds vital social connections for often-isolated seniors.

For more details about the field of Senior Theatre, see