Bonnie L. Vorenberg

My family and I are looking for a retirement community for my 92-year old Mother. As we search, we review the facilities' offerings and focus on the Activity Departments. It’s been a treat to see how they have taken a major step toward innovation.

When I was the National Enrichment Director for a chain of retirement communities, I promoted programs that were heavy on physical and mental stimulation. At that time, most schedules were filled with “Birthdays and Bingo,” as we used to call traditional activity programs. Though there is a place for these offerings, today’s activity programs reflect all the research proving the value of stimulation and enrichment for older adults, from frail to active. It’s become common knowledge that a fulfilled life not only brings more contentment, it promotes greater physical, mental, emotional, cultural, and social wellbeing.

That’s why Senior Theatre programs are being developed in all kinds of senior living situations. Drama with its unique blend of storytelling brings all of the art forms together. It reaches every part of the actor’s body and soul…and when drama groups perform for their peers, residents fill the house, making it one of the most attended events in retirement housing.

In fact, activity programs have changed their names to reflect the new direction. Some are called ‘Enrichment Programs’ or ‘Wellness & Vitality Programs’ to name just two. There’s power in a name, just as there’s strength in a fully rounded set of offerings that promotes the entire person’s health.

We’re not the only family who knows that when our Mom is fulfilled, she’ll be happy and content. How wonderful to see retirement communities realize the value of stimulation and creativity!

Bonnie L. Vorenberg
ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President

The new hit from the 2012 Senior Theatre Festival, The Hollow, is now available! Roy Proctor brings us this unlikely love story, laced with humor, of two childhood friends who reconnect after their 55th high school class reunion. Written for Readers Theatre, this 40-minute one-act play unfolds as the two characters read eighteen letters.

The Senior Theatre Festival goers were moved by this poignant work, and you will be too.

Wow! I have been doing these festivals since 2003, and we always offer the usual fare of comedies and musicals and memories. However, every now and then a very important offering comes along that elevates the festival to a new level. "The Hollow" was just such a piece. It went toward what true theatre should be providing us, a chance to examine our lives and our attitudes regarding difficult and complex subjects. Thank you for bringing this gem to New Orleans. It generated so much discussion, just the type that takes us to new understanding. Bravo! --- Dolores Kane, Senior Theatre USA

The first Senior Theatre survey to determine the impact of theatre on the quality of life of seniors is coming to you soon. ArtAge will gather the data which will then be analyzed by noted researchers, Helga and Tony Noice. This survey will involve a pre- and a post-test to best assess the full effects. We'll send directions on how to fill out the survey electronically or on paper. Thanks for helping the field by participating in this important survey!

Get out and get moving during Active Aging Week September 23-29. This year's theme is "Many journeys, many destinations." Head to your local senior center, retirement community, park, health club, nature preserve or dance hall to participate!

Old Hams once again makes the Best Sellers List.

We compiled a list of our 10 Best Sellers this year. Click below to read more about our most popular items.

1. Age on Stage®:Comedies for Readers Theatre Volume II - The first collection was so popular that folks are coming back for more in Volume II.

2. Age on Stage®:Comedies for Readers Theatre Volume I - The shows in this collection of 10 ten-minute comedies have been performed around the world!

3. No Frills Airline - Flying isn't what it used to be in this five-minute hilarious skit.

4. Seniors Acting Up - From bittersweet to zany, these amusing one act plays and skits are all funny.

5. Joggin' Along - Nothing is sacred when two single women stop jogging long enough to discuss exercise, weight problems, boyfriends, other women, and much more.

6. Old Hams - A fun-filled comedy about the residents of a community for retired actors, musicians, and singers.

7. Senior Moments - Five short plays that always get rave reviews.

8. Carol Burnett Show Sketches- "The Old Folks" - These are the original sketches from the revered CBS Carol Burnett Show. You can't help but chuckle!

9. At Half Time - An over 60 Women’s Park Basketball team is losing to the Little Sisters of Mercy, a silent order of nuns who play in long skirts. Lots of fun with this fast moving, award-winning comedy.

10. This River is Gold - This two-act show is a musical tribute to older adults, celebrating their lifestyles, aspirations, and dreams. It’s a tuneful, joyous excursion!

Senior Theatre Resource Center member, Seniors As Stars

The work you're doing in Senior Theatre is important and we are here to help your company grow and thrive!

Become a member of the Senior Theatre Resource Center and receive:

• A free webpage on www.seniortheatre.com, the largest website in the field with 5,000+ visitors every month
  
• 10% off on your first order of materials
  
• An article in Senior Theatre Online e-newsletter with over 3300+ readers
  
• Free 1-hour marketing consultation, by appointment

As a member you will get visibility, make connections, and capture media attention which builds credibility and energizes your valuable work. Recently Senior Theatre Resource Center members in L.A. were cast in a film!

Thanks for your support of the Senior Theatre movement. We are here to help you and your company. Join now!

The Pink Lady and Rockin' With the Ages present "The Beat Goes On!"

What happens when a troupe of down-on-their-luck show biz veterans meets head-on with the opportunity of a lifetime? Do the performers still have what it takes? See for yourself in the World Premiere production of The Beat Goes On!, an all-singing, all-dancing musical extravaganza featuring the songs you know and love, and starring a generation that is not afraid to get up, get out, and get a life!

Written, directed, and choreographed by Ovation Award winner Cate Caplin, musical direction by David O, and presented by Rockin’ With the Ages and The Pink Lady, The Beat Goes On! runs October 4 through November 11 at the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage, 1625 N. Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood.

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Facebook: Now we can have a more extended conversation, by using our facebook page. Become a 'fan,' then send in information to keep the connection and the movement growing!

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. --Abraham Lincoln